Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
US athletes could use track and field trials to stage their protests

IF US athletes plan to use their Olympic stage to take a knee or raise a fist, US track and field trials figure to be the first place to see what sort of reaction they’ll get.

The majority of the US’s black Summer Olympians come from track and field, which puts the medals stand in Eugene under the spotlight when the action started today. In a major shift in policy, the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) resolved to not sanction athletes who use its platform for social demonstrations.

“I’m happy in the sense that the United States has moved enough today that they will allow their athletes to make a statement on the victory stand as far as kneeling and putting the fist in the sky,” said John Carlos, who along with Tommie Smith, raised his fist on the medals stand at the 1968 Olympics.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
POWERFUL: Britain's Emily Campbell during the Women's Weight
Commonwealth Games / 23 July 2026
23 July 2026
A general view of Olympic Rings outside of the Olympic Stadi
Athletics / 8 July 2026
8 July 2026
President Donald Trump holds up a red card during a meeting with FIFA president Gianni Infantino in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2018, in Washington
Men’s Football / 6 July 2026
6 July 2026

US President says he lobbied Infantino over ban as Uefa warns move ‘crossed a red line’

2025 games web
Video Games Monitor / 19 December 2025
19 December 2025

SCOTT ALSWORTH searches for something – anything – worth recommending from the year’s releases