Watch Video
Podcasts
Blogs
AUSTRALIA 
Podium protests 'possible'
Saturday, 10 May, 2008
The official uniform for Australian olympians competing in Beijing (AAP)
Australian Olympic chief John Coates believes there is a real possibility of athletes launching podium protests at the Beijing Olympics.
The Chinese have been heavily criticised by world leaders for their human rights record and for their recent crackdown in Tibet.
The Olympic torch's journey around the world was marred by protesters ahead of the August 8-24 Games.
The Australian Olympic Committee president said there could be podium protests in Beijing such as the famous black power protest on the medal dais by Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Olympics.
"It is a real possibility," Mr Coates said at a press conference following the AOC's annual general meeting in Sydney today.
Mr Coates reiterated that AOC policy was that Australian athletes had the right to express their opinions during the Beijing Games.
Source: AAP
The Chinese have been heavily criticised by world leaders for their human rights record and for their recent crackdown in Tibet.
The Olympic torch's journey around the world was marred by protesters ahead of the August 8-24 Games.
The Australian Olympic Committee president said there could be podium protests in Beijing such as the famous black power protest on the medal dais by Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Olympics.
"It is a real possibility," Mr Coates said at a press conference following the AOC's annual general meeting in Sydney today.
Mr Coates reiterated that AOC policy was that Australian athletes had the right to express their opinions during the Beijing Games.
Source: AAP
