Thread by @virtaava

Why Olympic Athletes Should Take a Stand Against Russian Participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics 1/16

The Olympic Games are a symbol of international unity and peace, bringing athletes from all corners of the world together to compete in a spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship. 2/16

But what happens when politics intrude on the games, and a country with a questionable track record on human rights and fair play, a country that is waging war condemned by the UN is allowed to participate? 3/16

This is the dilemma facing the Olympic community as Russia, a country that has been banned from previous games for doping, may be allowed to compete in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. 4/16

A country that is now waging war in Ukraine, a country whose leader is wanted by the ICC for war crimes. 5/16

Some may argue that the Olympics should remain neutral and not get involved in politics, but it is important to recognize that allowing countries with a questionable track record to participate can send a message that human rights violations and unfair play are acceptable. 6/16

It is up to the athletes who represent their nations to take a stand against this injustice. Athletes have a unique platform and a powerful voice that they can use to effect change, not just in the world of sports, but in society as a whole. 7/16

We have seen athletes like Tommie Smith and John Carlos use their medal podiums to speak out against racial injustice and discrimination, but there are many more recent examples of athletes using their platform for good. 8/16

For instance, tennis star Naomi Osaka has used her platform to raise awareness about mental health and police violence against Black Americans, and sprinter Allyson Felix has advocated for better support for maternal health in sports. 9/16

By taking a stand against injustice and using their platform to raise awareness, athletes can inspire change and make a difference in the world.

Now, more than ever, athletes need to take a stand and use their voices to speak out against injustice. 10/16

By declaring their refusal to participate in the Paris 2024 Olympics if Russian athletes are allowed to compete, athletes can bring attention to the issue and put pressure on national Olympic committees to join the boycott. 11/16

This move could be a powerful statement and could have a significant impact.

It is time for athletes to recognize the power they possess and the impact they can have on society. 12/16

Their voices are heard by millions of people around the world, and their actions can inspire change.
This is a call for all athletes to consider the impact of their actions and the importance of taking a stand against injustice. 13/16

The Olympic Games represent more than just a sporting event, they are a symbol of unity, fair play, and respect for human rights. It is time for athletes to uphold these values and use their platform to make a difference. 14/16

Olympic Athletes, It’s Time to Take a Stand Against Russian Participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Who Will Be the First to Voice Their Refusal to Participate? 15/16

#Olympics #Paris2024 #RussianParticipation #HumanRights #FairPlay #Russia #WarCrimes #AthletesForChange #BoycottRussianAthletes
medium.com/@virtaava/from… 16/16

Part 1

https://twitter.com/virtaava/status/1639893273828380674

Part 2

https://twitter.com/virtaava/status/1639893654851448832