SYDNEY, Australia - Australian Olympic chief John Coates says there is a good chance some athletes will launch protests on the medal podium at the Beijing Olympics.

"It is a real possibility," Coates said following the Australian Olympic Committee's annual general meeting on Saturday.

China has been heavily criticized by world leaders for their human rights record and for their recent crackdown in Tibet. The Olympic torch's journey around the world was marred by protesters ahead of the Aug. 8-24 Games.

Coates said there could be podium demonstrations in Beijing similar to the black power protest on the medal podium by American track athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City.

LIKE IT?  LET OTHERS KNOW

Thanks for participating!

Be the first to recommend - Sign in now


See what other people are recommending - Popular Stories