Should Tokyo be the arena of activism? | ticker VIEWS

While it may be the world arena for sporting competition, the Olympics is far from just being about our best athletes with many using their day to voice their beliefs

Sporting events have been a platform for activism for decades as athletes world-wide take to the stage to speak up against social injustice.

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics is no different, with gender equality this year’s central point of focus. 

During the weekend’s Olympic competition, Germany’s women’s gymnastics team defied expectations competing in sparkly sequined full-body unitards rather than the standard leotard.

The wardrobe change was in protest against the history of sexualisation and objectification of both women and girls in the sport, with the team receiving full support from the judges panel. 

Norwegian women’s handball team also speak out

Earlier this month the Norwegian women’s team showed up to their match against Spain for the European beach handball championship, knowing they too were bound to make a statement.

Also protesting against the sexualisation of women, the team wore bike shorts instead of the usual bikini attire, close to the uniform of their male counterparts.

The team gained attention from thousands globally but unlike the support Germany’s gymnastic team received, the move wasn’t as widely accepted by officials.

Consequently, the team were fined 1,500 euros with the European Handball Federation (EHF) deeming the move as “a case of improper clothing”.  

Yet, while using sport as a platform to educate fans on key societal issues may be perceived as an effective way of raising awareness, could it be decreasing the value of sport competition among the eyes of fans? 

Dr Alyson Crozier, Senior Lecturer in Human Movement, Sport and Exercise Psychology, says protesting in sport is an avenue for athletes to use their success as a platform to advance social causes and is often a catalyst to change social norms and cultures within particular groups.

“The protests don’t change the competition, but highlight a particular perspective that an athlete or team of athletes hold,” Dr Crozier says.

“It does often anger viewers, especially if they hold a different perspective to the athlete.”

A survey by ESPN found that seven in every ten fans support teams and athletes who speak out on issues of social justice and racial equality, however 49 percent of respondents were unsure of whether that conversation should take place on the field or court.

Additionally, there was uncertainty over how long players should spend voicing their opinions on specific issues with only half of all fans supporting a season-long advocacy. 

“Protests are not meant to be convenient or something that is scheduled to always occur off-field…Ultimately it will depend on what purpose the athlete has to protest.” Dr Crozier says.

“For the Norwegian female handball team, they likely felt that an on-field protest was required, as any off-field attempts to change the rules around the attire fell flat.”

Whether or not fans approve of activism in sport, there’s a high chance that it’s here to stay as athletes continue to think outside the box on how they can use their sport to take a stand against injustice.

Written by Rebecca Borg