Aside from the likelihood that we'll be watching the athletes though heat sensing camera due to all that smog, realizing how disassociated freedom and Olympianism are is a bit stunning:

Rule 51 of the Olympic charter, the constitution of the Olympic movement, forbids athletes from participating in a "demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda" at Olympic sites. When the International Olympic Committee identifies a possible violation of Rule 51, it asks the Olympic Committee of the athlete’s country to investigate. Depending on the outcome, Olympians can be disqualified or sent home. The question of whether Olympic athletes will have the right to express political views in Beijing erupted in February, after news that Britain and New Zealand were planning to require that athletes sign contracts barring them from speaking about politically sensitive issues. Both countries quickly reversed course.

Good to see that the novice master's shot put club I belong to rejects such objectification of the human spirit. Nike, however, has not quite contacted us about those endorsements we were hoping for to help get those new tires for the '73 Chevy van.