The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has released a statement to SPORTbible after an athlete chose to protest against ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) during the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
On Friday (February 6), the Winter Olympics opening ceremony took place at the iconic San Siro stadium in Milan with world-renowned artists such as Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli performing while representatives of the participating nations took part in the Parade of Nations.
Despite the Games being officially opened on Friday, the action did get underway on February 4.
As ever, the Games provide an opportunity for nations to come together on the world stage at a time of political uncertainty.
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However, one Team GB athlete used the Games as a platform to protest against ICE.
Skier Gus Kenworthy urinated the words “F*** ICE” on the snow on Friday before the 34-year-old posted a snap of the protest on Instagram.
“Innocent people have been murdered, and enough is enough,” said Kenworthy. “We can’t wait around while ICE continues to operate with unchecked power in our communities.”
Kenworthy, who was born in Chelmsford, England, but has lived mostly in the US, will not face punishment for the post.
"During the Olympic Games, all participants have the opportunity to express their views as per the athlete expression guidelines. The IOC does not regulate personal social media posts," the IOC said in a statement released to the Press Association on Friday.
The 34-year-old won silver in the ski slopestyle at the 2014 Games, where he represented the US before switching his allegiance to Team GB seven years ago.
ICE is responsible for investigations into customs and immigration in the US, with its agents heavily criticised in January after the killings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
US President Donald Trump has since promised to stand around 700 agents down in the state of Minnesota after widespread protests.
Ahead of the Games, SPORTbible reached out to the IOC and asked about the potential sanctions athletes may face if they choose to hold politically motivated protests or perform gestures during events.
The IOC then responded, releasing the following statement: “During the Olympic Games, all participants have the opportunity to express their views as per the Athlete Expression Guidelines.
“In order to strike a balance between the right to freedom of expression while preserving the political neutrality of the Olympic Games as well as the Fundamental Principles of Olympism, these Guidelines provide a framework for competitors, team officials or other team personnel participating in the Olympic Games regarding opportunities available to them to express their views during the Games.”
According to the Athlete Expression Guidelines, competitors do hold the right to express their views during press conferences, on social media and through traditional media.
Athletes are not permitted to express their views during official ceremonies, during competition or in the Olympic Village.
Also, on Friday, protesters rejected the presence of ICE agents in the city of Milan and responded by taking to the streets.
ICE agents are reportedly present at the Games, providing security for the United States delegation.
Luke Davies