Burma: a renowned swimmer refuses to represent his country at the Tokyo Olympics
The logo of the Japanese Olympics throne at the entrance of the Tokyo Olympic Museum, March 24, 2020 Kazuhiro NOGI AFP / Archives
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The Tokyo Olympics in Japan are due to start in three months, but a swimmer from Burma is already refusing to attend.
In early April, Burmese athlete Win Htet Oo, who has been training in Australia for four years, explained on his Facebook page that he refused to represent the ruling military government.
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Win Htet Oo has had a dream since he started swimming: to participate in the Olympic Games under the colors of his country.
But last March, the death of a 19-year-old Burmese girl changed his mind.
“
After the coup d'etat, she demonstrated every day in the streets of Mandalay and she was killed for that,” he
explains.
And I believe that it is inconceivable that the Burmese Olympic committee which must carry the Olympic values is associated with an army which kills people like Ma Tial Sin, which in my eyes perfectly embodies these values.
"
So when the IOC informs him that Burma will send athletes to Tokyo, Win Htet Oo refuses to be part of it, and asks the international body to suspend the Burmese Olympic committee, but the IOC invokes its neutrality.
What Win Htet Oo does not understand:
“
I don't think the IOC has really investigated what's going on in Burma,
” he said.
Burmese athletes are under pressure to support the military, or at least to keep quiet.
I am afraid of what the army can do to my family in Burma, but I think it is my duty to denounce the army, because I have the chance to train abroad.
"
Win Htet Oo hopes that the Olympic committee will suspend the Burmese antenna, the only condition for him to be able to participate in the Olympics as an independent athlete.
► To read also: Tokyo 2020: 100 days before the event, still no popular fervor
Win Htet Oo, one of Myanmar's top swimmers, calls on IOC not to allow coup govt to send a team to Tokyo @Olympics & says he won't compete: “I shall not march in the parade of nations under a flag steeped in my people's blood. ”
#WhatsHappeningInMyanmar https://t.co/AuowC2wn9v
- Samantha Power (@SamanthaJPower) April 27, 2021
► To read also
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Burma: "France should be fully behind the civilian government"
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Burma
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