Will athletes be able to express a political or racial opinion at the Tokyo Paralympic Games? Possible. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has announced its decision to consult its Athletes' Commission on how protests, particularly against racism, could be permitted at competition venues. Under current IPC regulations, Paralympic athletes are free to share their views on any topic on social media and in media interviews, but not on the field or on the podium. This rule could change. The consultation launched this week aims to identify a trend among the community of Paralympic athletes, both on the merits of a rule change, but also on the way in which opinions could be expressed. According to Chelsey Gotell, president of the IPC Athletes' Commission, the fight against discrimination is a daily battle for all people with disabilities. The Canadian swimmer believes it is logical for the IPC to look into this issue and authorize protests at the Paralympic Games.
