Stand up for black athletes

Limba MupetamiWindhoek“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out, because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out, because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me – and there was no one left to speak for me.” These are the famous words of Martin Niemöller.They are a reminder that we should not be silent in times of trouble and need.I say this at a time when World Athletics (WA) is abusing its power.They know the power they wield; they know they don’t necessarily have to take things like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights into account because they are a private organisation.They know they don’t have to answer to anyone who might question how their rules impact marginalised athletes.I have always understood sport as a unifier and a tool to bring people and nations together, but for years, I have watched how black athletes are treated by international governing bodies.For example, the French Open organisers fined tennis star Naomi Osaka for refusing to speak to the media, as she cited that they were contributing to her mental health issues. The organisers, instead of being sensitive to her plea, threatened to expel her from future grand slams.Serena Williams wore a black catsuit at the French Open, designed to help prevent recurring blood clots she developed after experiencing a difficult childbirth. The French Tennis Federation deemed the outfit unacceptable.Williams found herself being accused of displaying “disrespect” towards the game despite putting her physical health first, much like Osaka, who prioritised her mental health. In both cases, there was a distinct sense that the legitimate personal choices of black women athletes were being policed by insensitive governing bodies.The most decorated American gymnast in history, Simone Biles, received an underscore from US Classic judges after she pulled off an historic Yurchenko double pike vault.Until that day, it had never been performed by a woman in competition, black or white.Then come South African runner Caster Semenya, Uganda’s Annet Negesa and Kenyan athlete Maximila Imali. All of them are black athletes.Their cases fall into the same category as those of Osaka, Williams and Biles, in which black women at the top of their sporting prowess find themselves almost constantly policed – for their actions, their bodies, hair and outfits.Namibia’s own, Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi, are also now targets. They are being told to lower their testosterone or not compete this year.I cannot ignore this discrimination from WA, and neither should you.It is discriminatory and targets only certain athletes. Most are being scrutinised for abilities that they did not gain through the use of any performance enhancers.Mboma and Masilingi are not just athletes to Namibians – they represent hope and aspirations. They are pathfinders for the rural poor and downtrodden.They are an affirmation of black excellence as they continue to undermine the stereotype that nothing good will ever come from rural villages. I urge the global community to stand together for all athletes who cannot fight for themselves. Stand up against these bullish governing bodies because enough is enough.Stand with the likes of Athletics Namibia (AN), who described the new regulations as discriminatory, unfair, stigmatising and not safeguarding of women in sport.“AN is disappointed that athletes are being required to change their natural conditions to be eligible to compete.“AN is disappointed in the manner in which the new regulations are being enforced, considering that it makes affected athletes ineligible to compete in major upcoming international competitions, including the WA continental tour events, the Diamond League series, and the World Championships this year.”AN vowed to use all available platforms within the WA structures to address the issue and, with stakeholders, to convince WA to review the science and ensure the fairness and non-discrimination of the affected athletes.They called for fairness and a policy that allows all athletes unhindered access to the sport they love.In addition, AN will allow all its athletes in Namibia to take part in the events of their choice and recognise their performances at its competitions, including national records.limba@namibiansun.com

Stand up for black athletes

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-22

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Stand up for black athletes

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-22

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