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Los Angeles (AP) - Tommie Smith's raised fist on the podium in Mexico City is still the symbol of the peaceful protest against racism at the Olympic Games.

More than 50 years after his iconic gesture at the 1968 Summer Games, the US athletes wanted him to find imitators on the same stage in Tokyo - who, unlike the Olympic champion over 200 meters, did not lose their sporting prospects or afterwards to fear other punishments.

Because the USA, itself guilty of the suffering of the Afro-American Smith, has been changing course for months: athletes should be allowed to protest "respectfully" at the Olympics.

Against racism, for social justice.

This recommendation from a working group of the Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is still nothing more than that: a recommendation.

In response to increased pressure to amend rule 50 of the IOC, which prohibits all demonstrations and political, religious or racist messages, IOC President Thomas Bach referred to the IOC Athletes Commission.

It was supposed to find out “in dialogue with their colleagues and athletes from all over the world” how athletes “can express their support in a dignified manner,” said Bach in June.

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But the word of the USA carries weight at the Olympics, more than that of any other nation.

Not only do most of the medal winners often come from the United States, most of the money also comes from sponsors and the TV station NBC flows from the USA to the accounts of President Thomas Bach's IOC.

And it can hardly be clearer than what was written on Thursday - Human Rights Day.

"Muting athletes during the Games is in stark contrast to the importance of recognizing participants first as people and then as athletes," said the USOPC working group's letter of recommendation to the IOC.

"Banning athletes from freely showing their point of view during the Games, especially those by historically under-represented and inferior groups, helps dehumanize athletes and goes against key values ​​of the Olympics and the Paralympics."

Since the death of the African-American George Floyd in May, who died at the hands of a white police officer, athletes in the USA have positioned themselves more clearly than ever against racism and against police violence against blacks.

In addition to stars from the big leagues like the NBA, the many smaller sports also want to be able to use their spotlights every four years.

There were positive comments from Germany when the US intentions first became known in the summer.

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"The USOPC appreciates the voices from Team USA and believes in their right to stand up for social justice and against racism," said USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland now.

Tommie Smith didn't have that kind of cover in Mexico.

Nevertheless, after his Olympic victory over 200 meters on the podium, he stretched his right fist in a black glove into the night sky - the symbol of the Black Power movement.

He also wore no shoes and only black socks as a symbol of poverty.

Bronze medalist and teammate John Carlos made the same gesture with his left arm.

The photos went around the world and the action became a milestone in the civil rights movement.

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 201211-99-651303 / 2

Recommendation of the USOPC working group to the IOC (English)