[ad_1]
Twelfth Olympic medalist and world record holder Ryan Lochte said he did not approve of athletes “dishonoring the flag” on the podium.
Twelfth Olympic medalist and world record holder Ryan Lochte has said he disagrees with athletes who “dishonor” the American flag on the podium in order to make a political statement.
“Everyone has the right to speak on their own terms, but if it is to dishonor the flag, I do not recommend it,” Lochte told “Varney & Co”. Friday.
Lochte’s comments come just weeks after Team USA shot and hammer thrower Gwen Berry turned her back on her on the podium as the national anthem was played at track and field trials in the United States. United.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
“I’m American, I love America,” Lochte continued, “so if that was me, I sure wouldn’t. [protest], but it’s just me. “
As the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics begin, Lochte told FOX Business’s Stuart Varney he was disappointed he didn’t qualify this year.
“We watch the opening ceremonies and like, tears were falling from my eyes,” Lochte said. “It was the Olympics that I wanted the most. And I failed.”
Twelve-time Olympic medalist and world record holder Ryan Lochte missed the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
Lochte expressed his enthusiasm for the young athletes representing the United States for the first time and said this opportunity should not be taken away from the 2022 Beijing Olympians.
Recently, groups and politicians alleging human rights violations against minorities in China called for a total boycott of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, a move that could increase pressure on the International Olympic Committee. , athletes, sponsors and sports federations.
Others called for a boycott due to China’s lack of transparency regarding coronavirus data and origin information.
2021 OLYMPIC GAMES TURN INTO $ 20 BILLION BUST FOR JAPAN
The Beijing Games are scheduled to open on February 4, 2022, just six months after the postponed Summer Olympics in Tokyo ended.
The American swimmer said the games are expected to continue and believes the Olympic Committee will make a decision that will keep everyone safe during the pandemic.
“I know how difficult it is to be an athlete, to work for four years to be part of the Olympic team. And I don’t want to see those dreams fail for the athletes,” Lochte explained.
While Lochte, the second most decorated swimmer in Olympic history, may not be competing in the Tokyo Olympics, his eyes are on other titles.
In October, Lochte plans to attend World Cup fixtures. When asked if he would attempt the 2024 Summer Olympics, Lochte replied that it was too early to say, but he is optimistic.
“I always said I would stop swimming once I stop having fun, and I find so much joy in the sport now that I don’t know if I will ever stop.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT FOX BUSINESS
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
[ad_2]
Source link