Can free expression and ‘neutrality’ coexist at Games? Athletes test limits.
Gwen Berry entered the Olympic Stadium on Aug. 3 wearing two uniforms.
One – her bright blue and red compression gear – stood for the United States, the country she would be representing in the night’s hammer throw final. The other – her black lipstick, black eye makeup, and raised fist – stood for the people she hoped to advocate for, those facing social injustice.
“I know a lot of people like me ... are scared to succeed or speak out,” she said after the competition. “As long as I can represent those people I’m fine.”
Placing 11th Tuesday night, Ms. Berry didn’t perform the way she wanted. But she didn’t come to Tokyo just to compete. Her goal, she’s emphasized, was also to call for social and racial justice on the world stage.
Sports “neutral”?Real-time debate“More than an athlete”You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.
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