British athletes not only have to demonstrate athletic prowess to be an Olympian, but have to be politically sensitive as well. Scared of possible conflict during the Beijing Olympics, the British Olympic Association chief executive has set forward a contract that all British Olympians much sign or be denied the chance to compete in Beijing. A contract is common among Olympians in the UK, but this is the first year that they must specifically promise not to speak about “politically sensitive” issues while in Beijing.

The seemingly harsh measure comes from a ruling of the International Olympic Committee which limits “demonstrations of political propaganda”. The United States has decided not to make its athletes sign a contract to this affect, and many organizations are protesting this invasion of freedom. The reputation of China is one of both repression and aggression, and many hope that the 2008 Olympics will become a soap box for political and human rights issues. This seems to be a huge invasion of freedom of speech from the usually moderate Britain.