Radio review: Politics on the podium as Olympics reach their climax

RTÉ’s Drivetime analysed how the Games in Tokyo have witnessed a slew of political gestures made by athletes

Belarusian runner Krystsina Tsimanouskaya sought the protection of Japanese police at Tokyo’s Haneda airport when her team tried to send her home from the Games against her will. Picture: Getty

“No kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas.” This is one of several statements in the official charter of the Olympic Games, which lays out its aspirations as a neutral arena where sporting achievement might be the engine for inclusivity.

But the charter’s ideal is almost impossible to live up to. Indeed, the modern Olympics actually offer a perfect forum for political agitation, ...