Following discussions with the IOC, the International Swimming Federation (FINA) has confirmed a wide range of opportunities for athlete self-expression at the aquatics competitions of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. These opportunities for athletes to express their views will include:
In the mixed zones, including when
speaking to the media
In the International Broadcast Centre
(IBC) or the Main Media Centre (MMC), including when speaking to the media
During press conferences in the venue
or in the MMC
During interviews
At team meetings, subject to NOC
conditions
In traditional media or digital media
Through social media channels,
consistent with IOC and NOC social media guidelines
“FINA fully supports an athlete’s
right to free speech. It is a fundamental aspect of democracy and such voice
should not be suppressed, within the bounds of respect and dignity. Our
athletes’ voices matter and should be heard,” said FINA President Husain Al
Musallam.
Consistent with FINA’s practice at
all of its competitions, based on the FINA Code of Conduct, any political,
religious or discriminatory statement or behaviour will remain strictly
prohibited on the field of play, starting when the athlete leaves the call room
or similar. Consistent with FINA's practice and the IOC's guidelines on the
implementation of its Rule 50.2, political, religious or discriminatory
statements during the medal ceremonies and on the medal podiums will also be
prohibited.
"Athletes have the right to the
privacy of the moment, to remain free of unnecessary distraction from the
competition and preparation, with the pool deck remaining a sanctity for sport
and nothing else. The pool deck is and must always remain a place of friendship
and respect for the greater whole, not the individual,” added Al Musallam.
“The same level of respect should be
given to the podium. This moment celebrates the accomplishments of
individuals/teams, their support teams, coaches, families and nations, who each
and all deserve to cherish that moment without interference. It is a moment that commands respect and
triumph for sporting results and should not be remembered by individual
expression.”
Fédération Internationale de Natation
(FINA)
The Fédération Internationale de
Natation, founded in 1908, is the governing body for aquatics worldwide. FINA's
five discipline Swimming, Open Water Swimming, Diving, Water Polo and Artistic
Swimming - are all included in the Olympic programme. High Diving made its
first appearance in FINA events at the 2013 FINA World Championships. FINA
counts 209 affiliated National Federations on the five continents and has its
headquarters in Lausanne (SUI).
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