Britain Backed Down by Communist China?

The Daily Mail reports that British Olympic athletes are being forced to sign a contract prohibiting criticism of China’s communist government. If an athlete does not sign the contract, he or she does not compete in China. If one violates the contract while in China, he’ll be put on the next plane home.

Among those affected are world-record holder Paula Radcliffe, a marathon runner.

The entire affair raises painful memories of the British national football team saluting Adolph Hitler at the 1938 summer games:

The ability to publicly, peacefully protest is so ingrained in modern democratic culture that it’s difficult to imagine the British people accepting this outrage. But this goes beyond mere political protest. The Chinese are known for beating their athletes:

Former Olympic rowing champion Matthew Pinsent has already criticised the Chinese authorities over the training methods used on children, which he regarded as tantamount to abuse.

Young gymnasts told him they were repeatedly beaten during training sessions.

Mr Clegg [British Olympic Association chief executive] confirmed that such criticisms would be banned under the team’s code of conduct, which will be in force from when athletes are selected in July, until the end of the Games on August 24.

Apparently, if a British athlete or coach witnesses such abuse, he or she cannot report it, even to other British nationals. According to the Daily Mail, American athletes will not be under this restriction:

The BOA took the decision even though other countries – including the United States, Canada, Finland, and Australia – have pledged that their athletes would be free to speak about any issue concerning China.

Meanwhile, many groups are calling for a boycott of the Beijing Games, an option officially opposed by the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Olympic Committee.

HT: Burt Hoovis.