 Fifteen months after its postponement, the Tokyo Olympics are set to kick off amid a COVID state of emergency for Japan's capital and fans banned from attending, financial pressure to push forward and potential punishment for any athletes involved in protests or demonstrations during the sporting event. It’s already become clear that these Olympics Games will be unlike any others in the past, but organizers have said they are determined to move forward. Global Translations author Ryan Heath was in conversation with Anita DeFrantz, First Vice President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), about what’s at stake in the Tokyo Olympics as a global health crisis, sports and politics all come to a head.
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 My position concerning politics on the podium has been always consistent: there are many venues, opportunities, and locales for political protests. The podium of the Olympic Games is not one of them.
 I had a very interesting debate and interview with the conservative talk show host, Jesse Lee Peterson, where we went into all kinds of fascinating topics: from the Olympic Games, to transgender athletes, civil rights, George Floyd, Black Lives Matter, and the equality of men and women. I didn't agree with Jesse (and his audience) on so many of his positions, but it was still plenty of fun and as I always say, no matter young or old, it's important to keep an open mind since we're always in learning mode as students on this journey called life. So, if you want to watch this spirited debate and hopefully have a few laughs as well, I'm linking to the full video and show. Enjoy! -Anita  I'm happy to have been invited to deliver the keynote speech for Host City Americas 2021, which took place on June 29th. I was thrilled to participate in Host City Americas, as they are a forum supporting many of the same values and ideals that I do: one of which, is a call to the return of normalcy after the world suffered a highly challenging 2020. I believe one of the ways the world can unite and come together once again is through our shared appreciation and enjoyment of sports events, athletic competition, and fair and free play. Enjoy! - Anita Host City #HCAM2021 LINK TO THE SPEECH: https://youtu.be/MbjT85zARjk |
AuthorOfficial blog of author, athlete, and IOC official, Ms. Anita DeFrantz. Archives
December 2021
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