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Photo Courtesy: Mine Kasapoglu \/ ISL<\/p><\/div>\n

The International Olympic Committee’<\/strong>s Rule 50<\/strong> forbids any kind of “demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda” including on the field of play, at the Olympic Village, during medal ceremonies and the opening, closing and other official ceremonies.<\/p>\n

The IOC says the ban will remain in place in Tokyo after a survey found the majority of athletes were in favour of retaining it.<\/p>\n

A guest commentator on Swimming World on Thursday expressed his view in a piece headlined: “Don’t Mix My Olympics With Politics.”<\/a><\/p>\n

In the article which addressed Peaty, Charles Hartley expressed his opinion that protests could alienate people who are looking for a form of escapism from politics when they tune into the Games.<\/p>\n

He also said the number of protests could escalate and obscure the competition with a precedent being set for the wider working world outside sport.<\/p>\n

Peaty responded on Friday on social media, saying:<\/p>\n

“This was pretty much directed solely at me and my opinion yet hundreds\/thousands of athletes have the same viewpoint. The thing is, the issue is not about me. So many athletes at the games will be coming from countries and under governing bodies rife with corruption, racism and inequality to name a few.<\/p>\n
“Of course that athlete should have the opportunity to protest if there are so many issues. If we all fall in line and never question anything, these issues only get worse and the people causing them get even more power.<\/p>\n
“Yes, I agree there is a time and a place to protest but sport is one of the most powerful vehicles for a lot of these athletes to be heard. <\/span><\/p>\n
“For example, If everyone you raced had been doping and somehow 100% knew, you wouldn\u2019t stay silent.”<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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This was pretty much directed solely at me and my opinion yet hundreds\/thousands of athletes have the same viewpoint. The thing is, the issue is not about me. So many athletes at the games will be coming from countries and under governing bodies rife with corruption, racism https:\/\/t.co\/DOFqNuf3xA<\/a><\/p>\n
— Adam Peaty OBE (@adam_peaty) May 7, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n