Why Sports and Politics Must Remain Separate

Forcing athletes to become political figures places an undue and often unfair burden on them. Athletes dedicate their lives to perfecting their craft, and their primary role is to perform at the highest level. While they are citizens with their own beliefs, compelling them to use their platform for a specific cause, or punishing them for not doing so, can distract from their training and performance. It also risks turning them into symbols rather than human beings, reducing their incredible achievements to mere footnotes in a political debate. This can be especially challenging for athletes from authoritarian regimes, who may face severe repercussions for expressing dissent, or for those who simply wish to focus on their sport. Allowing athletes the freedom to focus on their passion protects them from being co-opted for political purposes and ensures their accomplishments are celebrated for their own sake.