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Karla Borger
Photo:
Frank May / picture alliance / dpa
President Karla Borger of the Athleten Deutschland association believes that the majority of athletes at the Olympic Winter Games in Beijing will refrain from making political statements.
"I don't assume that many athletes will comment," said Borger: "And I myself am curious to see what will happen to those who will say something.
The threats made last week mean that it's likely that no one, or few, will say anything."
A representative of the Organizing Committee of the Games (February 4 to 20) had announced last week that statements against the Olympic spirit could be punished, "especially if they violate Chinese laws or rules." Human rights organizations are particularly critical of the International Olympic Committee ( IOC) for dealing with these statements that there are strong doubts about the freedom of expression of international athletes in Beijing.
Beach volleyball player Borger also wondered how she would behave in this situation.
“Of course, that's extremely difficult because, on the one hand, it's all about sport.
And then just thinking about what I say and what I don't say is exhausting," said the 33-year-old: "Nevertheless, if I were a winter sports enthusiast, I wouldn't go one way or the other.
I would neither criticize nor give great praise.«
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