As the Tokyo Games continue to dominate headlines, we must acknowledge the legacy of racism in the Olympics and in the sports world in general. While the Olympics claim to be apolitical and race-neutral, white supremacy is playing out this year at all levels. Once again, we’re seeing BIPOC bodies objectified as commodities -- ones that the IOC and the world think they are entitled to -- while mental health and safety are deprioritized.
Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka have recently spoken out about mental health and shed light on the immense pressure faced by BIPOC athletes, particularly women. Biles, a gold medal favorite, withdrew herself from Olympic competition citing her mental state. Osaka withdrew herself from the French Open and Wimbledon this year for similar reasons. While there has been an outpouring of support, both Biles and Osaka have also faced a slew of media attacks. BIPOC athletes are continually expected to bend to white supremacist expectations, and are vilified for using their platform to call attention to injustice, as the reactions Gwen Berry and Raven Saunders have show most recently.
Racist double standards abound-- from the suspension of Sha'Carri Richardson for marijuana use while white soccer star Megan Rapinoe is celebrated for promoting CBD, to the banning of Brianna McNeal, to the disqualification of two Black female runners for heightened testosterone levels, a standard directly aimed at shutting out Black South African runner Caster Semanya in 2018.
Blatant racism and exploitation continue in the sports world beyond the Olympics. It took years for a rule change by the NCAA allowing college athletes to access the wealth they create. Prior to that, BIPOC athletes brought in millions for schools and coaches without receiving income or retaining rights to their own names and likenesses. Black and brown bodies should never be commodified to enrich white institutions or individuals. No one is entitled to an athlete’s labor. We need to move our money and channel our advocacy to organizations that promote equity in sports so BIPOC athletes are treated justly and given the access and support they deserve.
In solidarity,
SURJ NYC