Team GB track star Dina Asher-Smith has insisted Olympic athletes should be free to take the knee amid fears Games bosses will seek to punish those who do. Asher-Smith did not clarify whether she would take a knee in the event that she wins a medal across her 100m, 200m and relay campaigns. Dina Asher-Smith has defended athletes' rights to protest against racism at the Tokyo GamesThe IOC has not detailed how athletes who defy the ban will be punished, but said they will face disciplinary action. But political statements during events, victory ceremonies and at the Olympic Village are still off the cards, the IOC said. New Zealand also took the knee in their match against Australia at the Tokyo Stadium while their opponents did not.

Source: Daily Mail July 22, 2021 22:46 UTC