Norwegian pro Thor Hushovd is the first cyclist to openly address the repression of the Tibetan people by the Chinese government. Speaking to Norwegian media, the Crédit Agricole rider wasn't afraid to take a political stance and declared himself ready to boycott the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Beijing this summer, should the conflict still be unsolved by August.what's not to love?
"As athletes, we don't have any particular responsibility to react to what is happening in China, but we can have a certain influence in skipping the opening ceremony in Beijing," Hushovd said. "That would be a form of protest, and I would be ready to do it."
The Tibetan people have claimed independence of China for more than half a century. Recently, violence escalated again between demonstrating Tibetan monks and Chinese police forces. It is not known how many people exactly died, since foreign media are not allowed in the region. Human rights issues, as well as the freedom of press during the Beijing Olympics have raised a number of concerns in Europe and North America since the attribution of the Olympic Games to Beijing.
from cyclingnews.
confident, aggressive, and tough as nails on the bike...
...and smart, caring, and handsome off the bike.
that combination will take you places.
i'm looking to thor for a flanders win this year.
that is a (dis)guarantee.
2 comments:
I applaud Hushovd's (and any other athlete's) decision to speak out - but protesting *only* the opening ceremony is weak. Anyone wishing to make a real statement should be protesting the games entirely, in my opine....
i have to disagree.
i think if you simply skip the games, you remove yourself from the public eye.
the olympics are a huge world stage, and it is very possible for you to make a statement that is remembered for generations.
sitting at home will likely get you nothing.
i don't think you can downplay the media attention the olympic games and athletes receive.
the media rarely talk about those that aren't there...
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