A Costa Rican gymnast appeared to find a loophole in the Olympic rules that bar political statements, when she made a tribute to the Black Lives Matter movement during the artistic part of her floor routine.
Luciana Alvarado, 18, wrapped up her performance in the Olympic qualifying rounds in Tokyo on Sunday by kneeling on the floor and looking up to the sky with a raised fist in the air.
She later said the choreographed gesture was specifically meant to honor the BLM movement and draw attention to the importance of equality for all people.
“Because we’re all the same,” she explained.
“We’re all beautiful and amazing.”
Because the political gesture was used as an artistic element and not during something like an awards ceremony, the International Olympic Committee, which has long barred protests or perceived political messages, may not be able to bring any penalties against her.
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The IOC first cracked down on such protests since 1968, when they expelled track and field stars Tommie Lee Smith and John Carlos, who made the Black Power salute on the podium after winning gold and bronze medals in the 200-meter race.
Since then, the IOC’s rules have relaxed slightly but protest or political speech is still explicitly banned during official ceremonies, in the Olympic Village and during competition, USA Today reported.
With Post wires