Amaechi: Olympians Speak Up, Out

Gay former b-baller John Amaechi’s on a new mission.

The Briton will travel to China this summer as Amnesty International’s sports ambassador. And, knowing that many people oppose China’s questionable human rights policies, or lack thereof, Amaechi’s instructing athletes to join the debate:

People who have issues with the policies and behavior of the Chinese authorities should speak out.

I would encourage athletes not to distract themselves by burying themselves in the facts and figures and legislation of China but simply to acknowledge that being an ambassador for human rights in China is the most Olympian thing to do. Anything less than that is not being a true Olympian no matter the color of the medal that you hold up.

To those of you who don’t win medals – feel free to keep a lid on it.