(Sydney) Australian swimmer protesting against “Mizonistic perverts” at the Tokyo Olympics on Saturday assured that his stand for cultural change is worth more than any medal.
“All of this support has been great, and to be honest it’s nerve-wracking,” Madeline Groves said. Sydney Morning Herald, For his first public statement after his revolt.
“I have received a lot of support from some of the people on the team, the athletes, the coaches, the managers. I think the feedback I have already received is really valuable,” she said.
The 26-year-old swimmer said he was overwhelmed with support messages.
The two-time silver medalist at the Rio Olympics surprised the swimming world by qualifying for the Tokyo Games in June.
“You can no longer exploit young women and girls, insult them or subject them to medical gas, and then expect them to represent you to earn your annual bonus. It’s over,” she explained at the time.
The purpose of these statements is not clear, but the Australian Swimming Federation has set up a women’s committee to investigate the problems facing girls and women, but acknowledges that “unacceptable behavior” in sport has been on the rise for decades.
“Losing such an opportunity (Olympic qualifiers) is frustrating, but potential prizes outweigh the risk,” Groves told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“If this independent committee has significant results, it will make the sport safer and more enjoyable for all partners, not just girls and women. It is worth more than an Olympic medal.”
Australian swimmers in Tokyo have won the best Olympic Games in their history, winning 20 medals, including nine golds.
Butterfly specialist Groves said he thought he deserved the games to achieve his revolt on the world stage.
But she dropped it because of the confusion around Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter, which defines how athletes express themselves and the potential impact on peers.
The Groves have no plans to give up swimming and are heading to Europe to take part in the International Swimming League as part of the DC Trident team.
She said she had agreed to be expelled in the eyes of some on the Australian national team. “But it doesn’t really bother me,” she says. “I made this decision based on my own values. I do not expect everyone to understand me or agree with me.”
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