The Lessons, Legacies And Themes From Sport In 2021

With the first major international sporting events of the new year just days away, Olympic Games adviser Michael Pirrie looks back at the lessons, legacies and themes of the past year and the new directions that will shape Olympic and world sport in the months ahead.  

SPORT’S YEAR OF SURVIVAL & CHANGE

A senior American diplomat once observed that while newspaper front pages invariably featured bad news, he could always find inspiration from sport on the back pages.

Sport featured prominently on front and back pages and on news screens of all shapes and size throughout 2021, the most telling year in the innovation, change, and survival of modern sport.

While first drafts and final impressions of the year still remain under discussion and review, the Tokyo Olympic Games and Paralympic Games stand out as the most remarkable events in the most extraordinary 12 months of sport. 

The Olympic year began with the new Delta strain; the Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games were delivered safely against almost all expectations in a Covid state of emergency; and sport’s hard won gains were hanging in the balance at year’s end as Omicron set new infection records.

SPORT’S NEW DIRECTIONS 

Sport reflected much about the human condition and condition of the planet; social change along with Covid left vivid imprints.

In the year of the Gender Games, female athletes had the biggest impact on sport in society and at venues in Tokyo and other international events.

Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka made mental health, sexual safety and racial equality urgent global concerns for world governing bodies and national Olympic and Paralympic committees. The global focus and support brought by the pair to these areas will change the culture and governance of sport and major events for years to come.

Meanwhile, British tennis prodigy Emma Raducanu reinvented her sport in less that two weeks in New York, winning the US Open as a qualifier in what may qualify as the performance of 2021.

Health and safety of athletes and treatment of women contributed to growing geopolitical and Games uncertainty in sport in 2021 that will continue to play out in the year ahead. The new stand taken by sporting organisations in defence of vulnerable athletes is also changing sport’s landscapes. 

Australia postponed its first ever cricket test match with Afghanistan after the Taliban seized power, banning women from playing sport.

China became a no go zone for women’s professional tennis following concerns for the welfare of former grand slam and Olympic Games competitor, Peng Shuai, after her allegations of sexual abuse against a former senior Communist Party figure.

The indefinite cancellation of lucrative women’s tennis tournaments in China in a stand over support for women’s safety is believed to be the first of its kind. WTA Chair and CEO Steve Simon’s decision was one of the most intrepid and widely endorsed and discussed decisions of the year by a leading sports executive.  

China continued its Winter Olympic and Paralympic preparations as a human rights diplomatic cold front moved rapidly in from the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK. The Olympic doves of peace might also need to find an alternative flight path into the Chinese capital to avoid fighter jets buzzing air space over the highly sensitive Taiwan Strait amid rising territorial tensions.

Meanwhile, safety concerns linger in the background with Beijing a two-hour flight from Wuhan, ground zero for the pandemic, and the omnipresent Omicron strain.

Paris launched its Olympic 2024 countdown campaign from the relative safety of the international space station and major events resumed back on earth after being deferred or cancelled in 2020. 

SPORT AT THE CROSSROADS

The Tokyo countdown reflected the risks and doubts that continued to plague major events in the second year of the pandemic.

Tokyo became a lightning rod over how, where and whether the world’s most popular and highest revenue generating events could be staged safely in a global emergency. The Games divided Japan and the international community and became a turning point in world sport.

But Tokyo was the Games of the century, implemented with seemingly minimum harm in the most difficult and demanding conditions in 100 years. It was also the most relatable Games of modern times and may have touched the world more than any other sporting event.

There were new legacies beyond the traditional budget overruns (inevitable this time due to pandemic delays), new venues, infrastructure and environmental upgrades from previous Games.

“Staged for the first time in an unfolding global emergency, the Games highlighted the positive role of sports in times of crisis.”

Tokyo 2020 heralded a new way and role for sport as the world searched for a pathway out of the pandemic.

The appeal and relevance of the Games was broadened by the state of the world in 2021 and highlighted the power of sport in a world crisis. Tokyo presented a radically different Games look and experience that initially shocked and then captivated the world.

We were all transfixed as athletes from all cultures and backgrounds pursued their dreams in the most complex and challenging environments ever encountered in sport, and set new benchmarks in human achievement in locked down venues that viewers in an isolated and disconnected world could relate to.

Staged for the first time in an unfolding global emergency, the Games highlighted the positive role of sports in times of crisis.

Tokyo cut through the grief and gloom of the pandemic and disillusionment surrounding mega events. The Games pushed sport into new directions beyond medals and entertainment. It brought the personal struggles, challenges and joys of athletes to global attention and engaged audiences like never before.   

Tom Daley’s gold for Team GB was a medal of the times, completing an epic journey of self-belief, perseverance and social change that began as a teenager in London at the 2012 Games. “I am incredibly proud to say I am a gay man and also an Olympic champion,” Daley said after winning synchronised diving.

 “When I was young I didn’t think I’d win anything because of who I was. To be an Olympic champion now just shows you can achieve anything.”

My boss at London 2012, Seb Coe, would sometimes share his deep belief in the power of sport at briefings with his senior team members. He would talk to us about sport as the hidden social worker, counsellor, teacher, and motivator.  

This was writ large in Tokyo from the moment Japan’s baseball legend, Sadaharu Oh, lifted the Olympic flame in the final stages of the torch relay of perseverance many thought might never reach the cauldron’s steps.

I had listened to Oh tell audiences in Tokyo previously that baseball helped to rebuild Japanese society after the Second World War. Sport was now helping to rebuild the spirit of a pandemic shattered host nation and world.

Athletes would provide perspective to a world in crisis at Tokyo and sporting events throughout 2021. 

“I think people maybe feel bad for me that I’m not winning everything,” US swimming legend Katie Ledecky said at the Games. “But I want people to be concerned about other things that are going on in the world, people that are truly suffering.”

“Athletes would provide perspective to a world in crisis at Tokyo and sporting events throughout 2021.”

A similar perspective was provided by Canada’s teenage tennis star, Leylah Fernandez, at the US Open in New York. Putting aside her disappointment after losing the women’s final, Fernandez acknowledged the profound loss of the city and its residents 20 years after the attacks on the twin towers, which changed the world. Like Covid.

“I know on this day, its especially hard for New York and everyone around the United States,” she said, standing courtside in solidarity with victims’ relatives, city, nation and international community.

Anniversary tributes to “Let’s Roll” hero Todd Beamer – who led passengers in a desperate effort to regain control of a third hijacked airliner – highlighted the influence of sport in his life as a talented high school athlete.

Beamer’s character and values, according to his father, were formed at Wheaton Christian High School while ‘walking the soccer field…walking the baseball field…walking the basketball court…’

The athletes vaccinated the values of the Games against the virus and changed the Tokyo narrative.

The favourite story for many involved the Fijian men’s rugby sevens team flying cargo class on a frozen food freight plane to successfully defend its nation’s first gold medal.

Tokyo was a triumph of planning for the Japanese government and good will of its citizens who surrendered their seats and watched from home instead so the Games could go ahead.

The Games was also a triumph for IOC President Thomas Bach and senior executive John Coates, who oversaw preparations amidst unprecedented adversity, opposition and doubt.

“It demonstrates something,” said French President Macron, who attended Tokyo’s opening as leader of the next Summer Olympic and Paralympic host nation. “That whatever happens, we have to adapt, to organise and do the best we can.”

The Games provided vindication also for Seb Coe, who kept athletics on Tokyo’s tracks and fields. World Athletics President Coe and his executive board and teams have transformed the sport following a series of scandals that rocked athletics prior to his election.

While Coe’s sweeping anti-corruption reforms had initially challenged and confronted some world sport leaders, the measures have restored credibility and ensured athletics was the most popular and streamed sport in Tokyo, even without Usain Bolt. 

NEW ERA FOR OLYMPIC CITIES

The IOC implemented its own sweeping reforms in Tokyo, installing a new voting system to restore trust in its host city selection process.

The future of the Olympic movement depends on quality host cities and the new system is designed to make selection less vulnerable to outside influences, vote rigging and cities lacking capacity to stage the Games.

The system was used for the first time at the IOC session, with the election of the preferred Australian coastal capital city, Brisbane.

The overwhelming support for Brisbane and the new voting system among IOC members, representing the Olympic movement of more than 200 nations and territories, was a significant and far reaching development for world sport in 2021.

Brisbane’s selection builds out the pipeline of host cities on Bach’s watch to 2032, providing greater stability and certainty in turbulent times.

SPORT FIGHTS BACK

Tokyo’s unexpected success provided hope against a virus that specialises in killing hope, and generated momentum for sport in 2021. There was a kaleidoscope of spectacular sporting achievements, milestone performances and riveting rivalries. Ball sports and stars dominated.

The miraculous Lazarus-like comeback of Danish forward Christian Eriksen after his heart stopped while competing in the Euros was the most dramatic moment of the year and topped Google’s list of athlete searches. Tiger Woods and Simone Biles comprised the top three trends.

Amongst the billions of figures and statistics that determine the futures and finances of elite football players, leagues and clubs, seven was the lucky number in 2021.

It was another fine year for Messi scoring a record extending seventh Ballon d’Or.

“The Olympic Games and Paralympic Games reflected the fragile safety and uncertainty of life and sport in 2021.”

Perennial rival Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United, carrying with him the hopes of fans and investors and the iconic number 7, following in the footsteps of another famous seven legend David Beckham.

SPORT’S YEAR OF LIVING DANGEROUSLY

The Olympic Games and Paralympic Games reflected the fragile safety and uncertainty of life and sport in 2021. 

Athletes confronted everything from Covid, climate change and soaring marathon temperatures, and seeking refugee from authoritarian and terrorist regimes.

Sporting leaders, officials and western governments showed a new willingness in 2021 to address human rights violations and mistreatment involving athletes.

Belarus sprinter Krystsina Tsimanouskaya was rescued in a dramatic asylum operation in Tokyo after seeking IOC help, fearful of reprisals from hard line government operatives after questioning her coach. “Our first duty of care is to her,” IOC spokesman Mark Adams said at the time.

The leader of an organisation that helps Belarusian citizens fleeing government persecution was killed a short time later. The new stand taken by sporting organisations in defence of vulnerable athletes is changing sport’s landscape. 

Afghanistan was the most dangerous place for sport in 2021 after the sudden return of the Taliban, the takeover by the terrorist organisation prompting a coalition of international organisations to help evacuate Taliban targets believed to include athletes and families.

The rescue operation included the IOC, IPC, United Nations, governments and a back channel of NGOs.

YEAR OF SPORTING GREATS

2021 was a year for the ages and sporting greats.

Tom Brady became the greatest NFL player of all time, winning his seventh Super Bowl.

“The new stand taken by sporting organisations in defence of vulnerable athletes is changing sport’s landscapes.”

Lebron James at 37, became the oldest player to record a 30-point triple double, and is now within shooting range of the NBA’s all time scoring record.

Phil Mickelson became golf’s oldest majors champion winning the US PGA aged 50, and keeping Covid at bay as pre-pandemic crowds cheered him along the final fairway into the clubhouse of all time greats.

VACCINE VILLIAN  

Novak Djokovic’s opposition to vaccine requirements meanwhile threatened to default his campaign to become sport’s next all time great.

Speculation surrounding the Serbian superstar’s participation at the upcoming Australian Open to secure a record 21st grand slam title turned into sport’s biggest soap opera of 2021.

After host city Melbourne endured the world’s longest lock down, the court of public opinion is sceptical of Djokovich, sport’s most high profile vaccine sceptic.

As the Djokovic guessing game descends into a farce, sightings of the player practicing in Spain recently in match like conditions has renewed intrigue.

The unexpected news today that Djokovic has been granted a special exemption is not likely to end the drama, with public anger and player unease likely to tarnish the tournament and tilt at sporting history. 

FADING STARS & FINAL FAREWELL

The world of sport also began its long goodbye to injured and ageing all time greats Serena Williams, Roger Federer and Tiger Woods.

The Olympic world valed former IOC president Jacques Rogge with great gratitude and fondness as a highly one of the world’s great sporting administrators.

The gifted Belgian surgeon and diplomat made an enormous contribution to world sport, playing key roles in two of the Olympic movement’s most successful and celebrated Games in Sydney and London.

Rogge helped to stabilise the Olympic Movement during two of its most challenging periods – the fall out from the Salt Lake City vote buying scandal and  IOC’s post 9/11 security protocols for Olympic cities.

I vividly recall the total support Rogge provided to our London Olympic bid team in Singapore on learning of the London bombings, just hours after the capital had been appointed host of the 2012 Games.

Rogge’s empathy and friendship in the unfolding crisis left a deep impression on our team, led by the dynamic late Dame Tessa Jowell who forged a relationship of trust with Rogge.

This included Jowell receiving a personal commitment from Rogge that the fiercely competitive race for the 2012 Olympic Games was wide open and would be decided solely on the merits of the cities involved.

After receiving Rogge’s assurances, the highly talented Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport persuaded UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and key Cabinet ministers, including Gordon Brown, that London could win the most tightly contested bid for the Games.

CONCLUSION

Even when pushed to the sidelines by Covid and by tragedy and grief in 2021, sport continued to occupy a central place in society and in the lives of fans, families, as well as athletes and nations, sometimes in poignant and revealing ways.

The most moving perhaps involved the father of four young boys who died in a south London house fire, heartbroken he would not be able to take his sons to their first football match.

“Their first football game was all they were talking about. Now I won’t be able to see them playing or watching football. It would have been passing down a tradition…” the devastated father said.

Commenting on his success at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Australian wheelchair tennis star, Dylan Alcott said “Paralymic sport saved my life. It did.”

2021 was like returning from the past of LP Hartley’s novel The Go-Between, where things are done differently. 

Just how differently started to become clearer this year as the ubiquitous new normal began to emerge – both similar and distant to the old normal but not normal at all.

Michael Pirrie is an Olympic Games advisor and international major events communications consultant and commentator.

A Look Back At The Sporting Year Of 2021

From Tokyo to Tampa Bay and Tom Brady; from Rafa and tennis grand slams to T20 and from baseball to boycotts- sport in 2021 was a journey into the unknown as the world struggled to find a pathway out of the pandemic. Olympic and major events advisor Michael Pirrie looks at the sporting highlights over the past year.

Will The USA’s Diplomatic Boycott Of Beijing 2022 Trigger Any Action From Other Countries

Olympic Games adviser, Michael Pirrie, looks at where the Beijing diplomatic boycott announced by US President Biden is heading and what it means.

The Olympics Games provides the worlds biggest summer and winter sporting spectacles. The Olympic Games also constitutes the United Nations of sport – the largest gathering of world leaders and officials of Olympic nations outside the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The Games is now more divided and less united following the decision by the United States for a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Games in less than two months.

“Announcing it [the boycott] heralds a significant shift in global sport and politics at the highest level, between the world’s two reigning superpowers.”

That division is expected to widen and expand in coming days and weeks and is likely to include pressure on business organisations partnering and sponsoring the Beijing Olympics, described by activists as “The Genocide Games.”

White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said the Biden administration would boycott the Games due to the “ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity” in Xinjiang. 

A US diplomatic boycott enables athletes and teams to participate but is far more than symbolic. Announcing it heralds a significant shift in global sport and politics at the highest level, between the world’s two reigning superpowers.

The fallout may be set to involve more western nations and allies expected to announce a similar diplomatic freeze on attending the Beijing Winter Games.

It could potentially include many of the nations that declined to sign the traditional Olympic Truce that was presented by China at a recent UN General Assembly. Nations such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia are other Olympic nations where political support has been growing for the withdrawal of diplomats but not athletes.

The Olympic truce in principle suspends conflicts between nations participating at the Games, and the failure to obtain signatures from several Olympic nations at the UN assembly was ominous for China.

In a statement following the decision yesterday, the IOC said that “The presence of government officials and diplomats is a purely political decision for each government, which the IOC in its political neutrality fully respects. At the same time, this announcement also makes clear that the Olympic Games and the participation of the athletes are beyond politics, and we welcome this.”

President Biden led the US Olympic delegation as Vice President at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and believes sport can be a positive and unifying force. His country’s diplomatic boycott does enable US athletes to fully participate at the Games, and the US government has emphasised their support to all athletes taking part.

The Beijing boycott is limited at this stage and will not impact on the Olympic sport programme, but will cast a giant shadow over the Games, more so if other countries join the action.

While China plans to use the global spotlight of the Games to promote and legitimise controversial hardline communist party policies, the boycott places those policies further in the international spotlight.

The boycott, which is expected to expand, also shows that the geopolitics of world sport is changing and that the separation of sport and politics is no longer absolute.

“China’s quest to host mega sporting events has been central to the communist party’s domestic agenda and International image and relations.”

While the historic boycott of the 1980 Moscow Summer Games followed the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan, the Beijing boycott is directed at China’s possible invasion of Taiwan and a growing number of human rights abuses.

Sport and China’s quest to host mega sporting events has been central to the communist party’s domestic agenda and International image and relations.

A moratorium by foreign leaders and dignitaries at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies would disrupt Chinese government plans to celebrate Beijing’s historic hosting of both Winter and Summer Games as a world first and milestone for President Xi and communist party leaders.

More than 80 world leaders and heads of state attended the 2008 Summer Games, including U.S. President George W. Bush, who angered China before his arrival by criticising its rights record. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, a close ally of China, former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, and United Kingdom Prime Minister Gordon Brown also attended.

“Momentum for boycott action has been building in the west over China’s human rights, highlighted most recently by the uncertain fate of Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai.”

China’s foreign ministry described the boycott as “a serious violation of the principle of political neutrality in sport established by the Olympic Charter”, and alluded to taking countermeasures against the US.

Momentum for boycott action has been building in the west over China’s human rights, highlighted most recently by the uncertain fate of Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai. The sudden disappearance of the three-time Olympian after posting allegations of sexual abuse against a former senior party official proved a tipping point.

The WTA last week stated they would be suspending all relations with China in a high-profile and very damaging case for the country, which has been strewn all over social media across the globe with some of the most high-profile tennis stars in the world showing support for her.

Meanwhile, the treatment of Olympic athletes who protest or speak out out while competing in Beijing remains unclear and may be discussed in an upcoming security summit between the Chinese and US leaders, along with the safety of Peng Shuai and related matters.

WTA Suspends Tournaments In China, Will There Be Knock On Effects For Sport In China?

Olympic Games adviser and analyst Michael Pirrie looks at new developments in the Peng Shuai case and what they could mean for the upcoming Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games and international sport.

The latest intervention by the WTA amid continuing uncertainty over tennis player Peng Shuai could have dramatic, unexpected and profound impacts for China and world sport.

China is the world’s biggest host nation of international sport and new fears for the welfare of the tennis star raise concerns about safety of athletes in the worlds most populous and politically authoritarian regime.

The decision by the WTA to withdraw tennis tournaments from China in protest over Peng’s treatment is both bold and brave and highlights the urgency of Peng’s plight which has gripped the world.

In his statement announcing the suspension of WTA events in China last night, WTA Chairman and CEO Steve Simon said: “Peng Shuai demonstrated the importance of speaking out, particularly when it comes to sexual assault, and especially when powerful people are involved. She knew the dangers she would face, yet she went public anyway. I admire her strength and courage.

“Since then, Peng’s message has been removed from the internet and discussion of this serious issue has been censored in China. Chinese officials have been provided the opportunity to cease this censorship, verifiably prove that Peng is free and able to speak without interference or intimidation, and investigate the allegation of sexual assault in a full, fair, and transparent manner.

“None of this is acceptable nor can it become acceptable. If powerful people can suppress the voices of women and sweep allegations of sexual assault under the rug, then the basis on which the WTA was founded – equality for women – would suffer an immense setback. I will not and cannot let that happen to the WTA and its players.”

The WTA’s withdrawal is unprecedented, but with hundreds of female tennis players competing in their events, from the elite players who top the rankings and those further down, it is clear that action was necessary so as to not disillusion them.

However, there is a major knock-on effect that will happen, the increase of international pressure in the short term for a boycott of next years Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games.

While this may not include a full athlete boycott at this stage,  it is far more likely to prompt a diplomatic boycott of foreign leaders.

China attaches huge prestige to hosting the Olympic Games, and the presence of international leaders and heads of state is seen as more important to Xi’s Communist Party of China than athletes.

While there is a consensus among sporting leaders that boycotts can be blunt weapons to force change in hardline host nations, other moves are believed to be under consideration by anti-Beijing activists.

These include putting the Beijing Winter Games on ice and suspending the Games, just weeks away, in order to find a new host location.

Who could host in that situation? One of the potential options would be Oslo, which, with its culture of winter sporting excellence and community passion and infrastructure for winter sports. It was initially the clear favourite to host the 2022 Winter Games.

The bid collapsed when the Norwegian parliament declined the resources needed to stage the Games.

This was a missed opportunity for Norway and for the Olympic Movement and paved the way for Beijing to become the first city to host both the winter and summer Olympics.

While China’s historic Olympic double may only be on thin ice, the impact of the Peng case could spread beyond women’s tennis and jeopardise other opportunities.

“China has become the go-to host nation for a growing number of sporting federations and governing bodies.”

With fewer cities in Europe and other continents able to stage increasingly diverse and expensive world championships events, China has become the go-to host nation for a growing number of sporting federations and governing bodies.

The WTA’s withdrawal from China over the uncertain treatment of Peng has been welcomed by sports leaders and especially by athletes and could pressure other sports governing bodies to temporarily withdraw or boycott China.

While boycotts have become unfashionable in world sport, a new boycott movement is emerging from the mysterious circumstances of Peng Shuai’s case.

The men’s tour may be next following concerns from some of its most revered figures including Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

Ultimately the Peng issue transcends gender in sport and is about the human rights of athletes, the most basic of which is the right to player safety.

The Peng controversy and Beijing Games boycott calls heralds another dark chapter in the Olympic movement’s difficult relationship with China over human rights.

This includes the slaughter of students in front of tanks while protesting in Tiananmen Square in the early stages of bidding to host the 2000 Olympic Games that went to Sydney instead.

The sudden escalation of tensions surrounding Peng has surprised the sports world, but China has been most surprised by suspension of the WTA tour, which, according to some estimates could cost $1 billion over 10 years.

The Peng controversy and Beijing Games boycott calls heralds another dark chapter in the Olympic movement’s difficult relationship with China over human rights.

President Xi’s communist party believed it had done enough to convince the world of Peng’s safety, organising a video conference call and discussion between Peng and IOC officials including President Thomas Bach.

The attempt to convince the world however failed to provide sufficient proof of Peng’s well being and welfare and has prompted growing concerns that the international community may have been deceived about the safety of Chinese tennis player.

While Peng’s disappearance in the worlds most populous nation may not seem difficult, such a vanishing act would be immeasurably more difficult if you are a high profile tennis figure – especially in a nation where sport is so politically and culturally charged as in China.

The world is now looking for answers along with the woman at the centre of this bizarre and baffling case. Meanwhile, the international sports community is hoping for the best possible outcome for the world’s most famous missing person.

How The WTA And Sport As A Whole Responds To The Latest Sporting Concern In China Will Speak Volumes

Michael Pirrie looks at the disturbing disappearance of a Chinese tennis star following her social media allegations against a high-profile member of the Chinese government that is concerning the sports world.

In what has suddenly sprung to the forefront of global sports reports in recent days, one of China’s leading professional women’s tennis players, Peng Shuai is at the centre of a widening international search amid growing fears for her safety since making sexual assault allegations against a senior communist party figure. 

The search involves a coalition of Ms Peng’s friends, tennis colleagues, international governing body officials and human rights groups and allies alarmed at her sudden disappearance.

It is a highly unusual case which has made a rapid impact on the international political and diplomatic agenda, swirling with intrigue, fear and rumour about the possible fate of the popular sports star.

The mystery deepened after an unconfirmed email surfaced overnight allegedly sent by Ms Peng, confirming she was safe and withdrawing recent allegations of sexual assault against a senior communist party figure.

The email seemed designed to reassure the tennis world of Peng’s safety but may have been a decoy instead to distract growing international attention from her disappearance.

 “The statement released today by Chinese state media concerning Peng Shuai only raises my concerns as to her safety and whereabouts,” Steve Simon, Chief Executive of the Women’s Tennis Association said in a statement.

“I have a hard time actually believing Peng Shuai actually wrote the email we received or believes what is being attributed to her.”

The race to solve the mystery surrounding Peng, a two time Grand Slam doubles champion, has intensified in recent days.

While the WTA has warned it could cancel tournaments in China if independent proof of her safety is not provided soon, it will be a major step for them to do so and would provide a huge stance against this behaviour from the country, as China is such a key market for the tour.

The ultimatum reflects the serious concerns within international sports and human rights circles about what has happened to Ms Peng.

A ban on future tennis tournaments would be a major international embarrassment to China’s President Xi Jinping and communist party leaders ahead of next year’s Winter Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Beijing.

As China has become such a major player in the world of sport due to its commercial force, it provides a lot of conflict and difficulty for many of these organisations, if they want to stand up to this issue it will cause a lot of a financial pain, but many would say that is more than worth it to keep to their principles.

Ms Peng’s plight has been highlighted by several tennis superstars, including Novak Djokovic and Naomi Osaka, who have expressed shock about the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

Update: Serena Williams, arguably the greatest female tennis player of all time, has now added her voice to the calls for Peng Shuai’s to be shown to be safe and free.

Osaka, the former women’s world number one said she was concerned that Peng, one of the biggest names in Chinese sport, had gone missing after revealing she had been sexually abused.

“Censorship is never OK at any cost, I hope Peng Shuai and her family are safe and OK. I’m in shock of the current situation and I’m sending love and light her way,” the Japanese tennis icon said in a statement.

Peng’s allegations that she had been coerced into sex and had an intermittent relationship with a high ranking communist party official over a number of years have rocked senior levels of Chinese society.

The allegations, believed to be the first their kind to be made publicly against a senior party leader, were contained in a post by Peng that went viral before being wiped within minutes. Peng has not been seen since nor has contact been made with her.

China watchers believe that while moral indiscretions involving party officials may be tolerated or sidestepped in private, allegations made in public against senior leaders would be viewed harshly. Peng’s case is the latest in a series of incidents involving the safety and welfare of athletes in geopolitically uncertain times.

In what has been sport’s year of living dangerously, the IOC and IPC have collaborated with international agencies to help rescue competitors and sporting refugees viewed as threats by hard-line national regimes due to the high profile positions of athletes in the international community.

These include Belarusian sprinter Krystsina Tsimanouskaya who sought diplomatic asylum at the Tokyo Olympic Games recently over fears of reprisals if she returned home after criticising a team coach.

The IOC has worked with sympathetic governments in Olympic nations to help rescue athletes and families from Afghanistan after the country was taken over by the Taliban after the exit of US and British troops.

It will be very telling to see what the next steps from the WTA are, as well as from many other major sports organisations who have ties to China, in the meantime we can only hope Peng Shuai is safe and well.

Djokovic’s Bid For Grand Slam Greatness Could Be Ruled ‘Out’ By Latest Vaccine Ultimatum Down Under

Michael Pirrie reports on the latest announcement from Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews, revealing that athletes looking to enter the state to compete in competitions would require vaccination, something which could potentially endanger the most high-profile athlete looking to enter Australian shores within the next couple of months.

Novak Djokovic’s bid to become the world heavyweight champion of tennis may have been served a technical knock out blow before the title fight has even commenced.

The Government of the Australian state of Victoria has outlined its ‘No Jab No Play’ vaccination position for major events as the Melbourne capital begins to lift Covid restrictions. Melbourne hosts several major domestic and international sporting events including Formula 1 Grand Prix and Australian Open, one of the world’s premier events.

“I don’t think an unvaccinated tennis player is going to get a visa,” Andrews said earlier today.

As Premier of the world’s longest locked down city, he today delivered a vaccine ultimatum for major events, declaring a cautious approach would be followed as sectors and industries across the city and state are re-opened.

Andrews, a popular state premier, said people would need to be jabbed or miss out on major events next year. iSportConnect revealed recently that workers in Melbourne and across the state deemed as ‘authorised’ would need vaccination, including professional athletes.

“I don’t think an unvaccinated tennis player is going to get a visa,” Andrews said earlier today.

The directive poses an immediate setback for Djokovic and his plans to surpass superstars Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, with the trio of tennis titans on 20 grand slam titles each.

Next year’s international sporting calendar could be headlined by the rivalry between the three tennis amigos, with the next to win and reach 21 grand slam titles expected to a highlight of the year.

Djokovic has been

The first showdown in 2022 at the Australian Open provided the best opportunity for Djokovic to secure a place in tennis history and earn the admiration and appeal he seeks. Melbourne’s grand slam is already Djokovic’s most successful, with nine victories there, and the chance for the all time grand slam record just a ‘Game, Set and Match’ away upon his return.

This latest ruling by the Premier of Victoria, the ultimate umpire in the sporting capital of Australia, puts Djokovic and other sporting figures sensitive to vaccination on the back foot.

The Victorian government’s edict on major events comes amid growing concern about vaccine hesitancy as the Covid crisis becomes a pandemic of the unvaccinated.

While vaccination rates in many of the world’s leading leagues are increasing, stronger measures are being adopted to convince those holding out. In the latest development, Washington State fired its football coach Nick Rolovich, after he declined to get vaccinated, failing to comply with a state mandate.

Djiokovic’s management is in talks with the Australian Tennis Federation to find a compromise for him to play.

“Of course I want to go., Australia is my most successful grand slam tournament, I want to compete. I love tis sport and I am still motivated,” he said in response to the vaccine mandate while refusing to confirm his vaccine status.

Speculation and anticipation surrounding a Djokovic victory at the Australian Open has been building as the sporting world slowly recovers from Covid due to growing global vaccination rates. Djokovic’s vaccine reluctance ironically may see him become a virus victim of the sporting kind.

The Final Step: Sport’s Vaccine Wars Continue

With sport all but having passed the worst of the coronavirus pandemic, with the threat of event cancellation now more minimal, Michael Pirrie reports on the latest battle lines to be drawn, the race to vaccinate sport against the pandemic.

While Novak Djokovic stands out as one of the finest players in the history of tennis, the Serbian superstar has lacked the charisma and fan appeal of many of the sport’s other greats.

Djokovic knows winning is not a popularity contest and retains a strong sense of self-belief, even if he is not as widely admired as some of his peers.

If so, there is a simple move Djokovic could take towards widening his appeal – just roll up his sleeve and take or confirm his Covid vaccinations.

“The vaccination debate impacts on how and where sporting events will be delivered in the fluctuating pandemic.”

This would certainly help to endear Djokovic to legions of fans – as well as rivals on the grand slam circuit – who have already been vaccinated, both to protect themselves while also helping to release their sport from the grip of the virus.

Vaccination reluctance and suspicion has become a difficult issue for major sport and society.

Along with a shortage of global supplies, vaccine indecision is the major road-block on the journey back to a more normal world inside and outside sports venues.

The barriers to vaccination have major implications for sport.

These include the health and safety of players, support staff, venues and host cities, as well as duty-of-care of sports federations, governing bodies and governments and club finances and major events budgets.

Ron Rivera, Head Coach of the Washington Football Team, who last year overcame cancer, spoke out about vaccine misinformation during his team’s pre-season.

At a broader level, the vaccination debate impacts on how and where sporting events will be delivered in the fluctuating pandemic. The vexing issue of sports vaccination is at the heart of the struggle between sovereignty and sport in nations hosting international events while the world struggles to open up.

This saw unprecedented public and medical opposition to the recent Tokyo Olympic Games amid fears the mega sporting event would spread the virus through Japan, lowly vaccinated at the time.

These issues will shape the new landscapes and rules for Covid-safe sport in domestic leagues and competitions and major events on the international calendar.

Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp has likened not getting the vaccine to drink-driving, however a number of athletes in football, the NBA and other sports have recently stated they are not vaccinated.

In the coming months these will include the Ashes Test Series, Australian Open Grand Slam, NFL Super Bowl, Beijing Winter Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, Champions League, NBA’s March Madness, two ICC Men’s T20 World Cups, ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and, of course, finally the FIFA World Cup to close out 2022.

These will be important moments for world sport in the tentative recovery from the pandemic. The discovery of vaccines was seen as the holy grail against Covid. Vaccinating the world however has been logistically more complex and slower than expected due to production, distribution and delivery challenges.

Vaccine opposition, predominantly for emotional or philosophical reasons, has further complicated living with Covid.

“Sports leaders, team owners, sponsors and investors are also concerned vaccine opposition could delay the return to a more normal pre-Covid society.”

Positioned primarily as a personal choice, vaccination hesitancy in sport jeopardises the fates and fortunes of entire leagues, teams, careers and even nations.

Sports leaders, team owners, sponsors and investors are also concerned vaccine opposition could delay the return to a more normal pre-Covid society. Sport could be seen as not fully contributing to the global effort of defeating Covid. 

This is resulting in a growing raft of measures to stem Covid in sport and to stop season shutdowns, match cancellations, training and travel disruption, fan boycotts, the loss of precious broadcast and ticket revenues and scarce opportunities to win team and individual titles.

Lightweight boxer Teofimo Lopez had to postpone a title fight earlier in the year after he tested positive for coronavirus, experiencing high fever and breathing difficulty. Lopez was not vaccinated, prompting the IBF to mandate vaccination before the championship could be restaged.

Measures to achieve widespread vaccination in professional leagues include clinician led education for players about the life saving benefits from vaccination and warnings of vaccine disinformation campaigns on social media.

Other approaches are more punitive, focussing on rigid training and practice requirements for unvaccinated or uncommitted players, including mandatory mask wearing, testing, social distancing and quarantine if exposed to the virus.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James was initially ‘very skeptical’ about vaccines, but decided it was the right thing to do.

High profile Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving, has expressed doubt and uncertainty about vaccines but will need to confirm his vaccination status or forfeit nearly $400,000 for each home game missed under New York City health guidelines when the new NBA season starts next week.

Since flouting Covid public health guidelines at his Adria charity tournament last year, Djokovic has become a lighting rod for the vaccine controversy in sport

NBA and world basketball legend LeBron James, while “very sceptical” about vaccines when first available, said he had since decided it was the right thing to do for himself and his family.

James said however that “everyone has their own choice to do what they feel is right for themselves and their family.”

Djokovic has also indicated inoculation should be a voluntary decision despite the proven life saving properties and protection conferred by vaccination.

VACCINATING THE FUTURE OF SPORT

Authorities are concerned the anti-vaccination push could undermine efforts against Covid, with new studies showing vaccinations have slashed illness, hospitalisation and death rates in nations that have been widely vaccinated.

“Authorities are also concerned that fans of sports stars reluctant to vaccinate could be influenced by their sports heroes and deprive themselves of protection against the crippling virus.”

Authorities are also concerned that fans of sports stars reluctant to vaccinate could be influenced by their sports heroes and deprive themselves of protection against the crippling virus.

THE VACCINATION TEST

Vaccination will be fundamental to balancing public health and safety at major sporting events in the current period of the pandemic.

This will be central to resolving tense and tough negotiations between host cities, governments, world governing bodies, public health experts, players and protocols.

Vaccinations will be pivotal to keeping major international tournaments going during the pandemic. The upcoming “Ashes” cricket tournament in Australia will be a test case as well as well as a series of test matches.

England_Retain_Ashes
England will head to Australia in search of a first series win down under since the 2010/11 tour.

A looming boycott by the England cricket team over Australia’s strict travel and isolation restrictions was averted at the eleventh hour by a quarantine compromise.

Covid travel and hospitality conditions for the England team – including accommodation for players’ wives and families at high end resort-style settings – were revised, enabling the prestigious and financially lucrative series to proceed.

It is understood that high vaccination levels in the touring squad and among support staff were critical to the more relaxed Covid settings to ally fears of a virus outbreak during the tour. 

NO JAB NO PLAY 

The vaccine sports wars will be most intense in cities with high Covid case numbers, restricted quarantine, and where the anti vaccination movement is most entrenched.

The Australian State of Victoria is one of the first juristictions in the world to make vaccination mandatory for so-called ‘authorised workers’, including professional athletes.

The ‘No Jab No Play’ policy includes teams in the Australian Football League, the nation’s biggest domestic code, believed to be the first major sports league in the world with a vaccine mandate.

Premier of the state, Dan Andrews, who last year said that a game of golf was not worth a life as Covid cases soared, commented recently that “the notion of getting in to compete in Victoria without vaccination is very low.”

This means Djokovic may have to take a jab to take a shot at history and win a record 21st grand slam at the Australian Open early next year in Melbourne, the capital of Victoria – this is Djokovic’s most successful grand slam event, which he has won on 9 occasions.

“While player vaccination requirements for next years FIFA World Cup in Qatar have not been finally resolved, the high number of athletes vaccinated for the recent Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games was critical to minimising Delta infections amongst Games participants.”

While player vaccination requirements for next years FIFA World Cup in Qatar have not been finally resolved, the high number of athletes vaccinated for the recent Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games was critical to minimising Delta infections amongst Games participants.

Vaccination will also play a key role in requirements for spectators in Qatar following the explosion of Covid cases amongst fans and visitors to different cities and matches during the Euros this year.

The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee meanwhile have announced that athletes would need to be vaccinated if they hoped to compete next year at the Beijing Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

CONCLUSION

Vaccination is set to become a cornerstone for sport despite opposition in the immediate Covid future. While International travel – the cornerstone of global sporting events – and spectators remain key infection sources, vaccination will be the primary strategy to contain and control Covid in sport.

It will also be the primary insurance policy for governments and investors amid mounting concern amongst local residents that major international events could lead to further delta outbreaks and more lock downs. 

The power of sporting federations and governing bodies to negotiate terms, conditions and locations for their events with host cities and nations will be determined by the ability to negotiate and implement vaccine compliant programs with their players and teams.

Sports Stars Mandated For Vaccination In New Covid Initiative Down Under

Sport stars in Melbourne, one of the world’s sporting capitals, will be required to roll up their sleeves in the fight against Covid. Michael Pirrie reports on the bold plan to curb the virus in the sporting community and wider society. 

In a nation where a love for sport is almost mandatory, Australia’s second-largest state has taken the country’s passion for sport to a new level in order to protect sports stars, fans and the general public from Covid-19

As a move to combat Covid, the state of Victoria today announced that it would be mandatory for professional athletes to be vaccinated in order to train and compete.

The vaccination mandate applies to professional codes, club staff, teams and players and is believed to be among the first of its kind in the world.

“This new mandate will impact on policies and protocols involving players participating in upcoming sporting events over the summer months in Victoria.”

This new mandate will impact on policies and protocols involving players participating in upcoming sporting events over the summer months in Victoria. These include the traditional cricket Test match series against England, a highlight of which is the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground, one of the world’s biggest and most iconic venues.

This new mandate will be written into the state’s public health orders, requiring players and teams to receive their first vaccine dose by the middle of this month and second by November 26.

The move is included in a range of sweeping measures announced by the State Government earlier today designed to open Victoria’s borders and economy after one of the world’s longest lockdowns.

As well as protecting against Covid, the new mandate is designed to revive the state’s economy, which is heavily dependent on major sporting and cultural events and lucrative tourism, hospitality, retail and marketing.

Melbourne hosts a number of major sporting events every year

Victoria’s capital city of Melbourne is regarded as one of the world’s leading sports destinations, and the mandate could influence protocols for sport in other sporting cities.

Melbourne is home to some of Australia’s biggest national and international events, such as the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, Australian Open tennis grand slam, international cricket and Australian Football League (AFL) events.

The AFL Grand Final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground draws approximately 100,000 spectators, making it the world’s highest attended league championship. The league final has been forced interstate to other grounds over the past two seasons due to Covid.

Other events include the Melbourne Cup, the world’s richest “two mile” handicap and one of the richest turf races in the world.

While none of Australia’s major sporting codes are believed to have implemented compulsory coronavirus vaccination rules, Victoria’s mandate could see similar requirements introduced in other states.

The move could also push forward vaccine mandates under consideration in other nations and sporting codes that compete in major sporting events in Victoria.

“The ‘jab for a job’ mandates apply to employment in a wide range of sectors, from government and the courts to construction.”

A mandate on sports vaccinations is also intended to boost vaccination rates to 70-80 per cent in Victoria in order to open up the state and city of Melbourne without overwhelming the health and hospital system.

The “jab for a job” mandates apply to employment in a wide range of sectors, from government and the courts to construction. They were announced by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, requiring all authorised workers in Melbourne and regional Victoria to be vaccinated in order to continue working on site.

The list of authorised workers includes “professional or high-performance sportsperson, workers that support the safe running of that person’s professional sport, and public broadcast personnel necessary for broadcasting the professional sport”

While vaccine mandates for sport have threatened to become a divisive issue, support for vaccination has been growing in recent months especially amongst wealthy professional leagues and championships.

The mandate for the sporting industry in Victoria may be the first imposed by a government in the world.

Playing By The Book

Olympic Games adviser, Michael Pirrie, analyses the new measures announced overnight to protect the Beijing 2022 Games from Covid – and from political protest and unrest.

The world’s best wintertime athletes will be at the centre of the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing in just four months. 

The athletes will also be close to the epicentre of the global outbreak of Covid-19 – less than a two-hour flight from Wuhan.

The Covid pandemic, according to most leading international researchers, is thought to have originated as either a laboratory virus or via a live animal market in Wuhan.

“The IOC and Beijing 2022 organising committee have now released several of the key principles intended to prevent Covid transmission in venue settings and landscapes preparing for the Games.”

The outbreak spread quickly and globally and has crippled the world and sport at all levels.

Almost all international and domestic sporting events, codes, seasons and competitions, including the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, were delayed or cancelled.

Many athletes, teams, venues, and clubs were infected in the shutdown that followed.

The devastating death and disease toll from Covid has since plunged China’s initial management of the Wuhan outbreak into global controversy.

China, like other nations, has since struggled to contain Covid, clamping down cities and communities where the virus has again surged, including Beijing.

The IOC and Beijing 2022 organising committee have now released several of the key principles intended to prevent Covid transmission in venue settings and landscapes preparing for the Games.

The rules, established by Beijing Games organisers, are intended to protect Games athletes and participants from Covid infection. They are also intended to protect China from protest activity linked to the Games. 

The Beijing 2022 regulations build on Playbook countermeasures implemented at the recent Tokyo Games.

These include a ban on international spectators, which epidemiologists believe played a key role in containing Covid in Tokyo. Beijing’s ban on foreign spectators will also help to limit possible protest and surveillance activity.

This is seen as a major security concern for the Communist Party of China led by President Xi Jinping, who is expected to open the Beijing Games on 4 February.

The CPC remains deeply concerned domestic or international campaigns or challenges against China’s treatment of minority groups could overshadow the Beijing Winter Games.

“Beijing will become the first city to host both the Winter Olympics and the Summer Games which, in 2008, triggered extensive international human rights protests and the Chinese government is determined to prevent a repeat.”

Beijing will become the first city to host both the Winter Olympics and the Summer Games which, in 2008, triggered extensive international human rights protests and the Chinese government is determined to prevent a repeat. 

The Chinese Government is also concerned that Delta outbreaks in the countdown to Beijing 2022 could push its Covid management strategies back into the international spotlight.

While ticket sales will be restricted in mainland China, vaccination rates continue to ramp up across the world’s most populous nation.

Governing bodies, sports codes, sporting figures, influencers and sponsors are moving in support of vaccine mandates, Beijing organisers have not made vaccination compulsory for Games athletes.

Organisers are hoping instead the vast majority of elite winter athletes will have already been vaccinated or scheduled for vaccination to compete in international qualifying events.

The Beijing Games committee is also hoping that unprotected athletes and teams can be persuaded to vaccinate before arriving in China or face a lengthy 21-day quarantine.

“With less than half the nations and a quarter of the athletes involved, the Winter Games is significantly smaller that the Summer Games, dramatically reducing the Covid risk.”

Athletes who can provide a justified medical exemption will have their cases considered. 

Like Tokyo, a comprehensive daily Covid testing program will be implemented and athletes will be bubbled in a closed-loop bio-secure system.

The Beijing bubble will cover all Games-related areas, including arrival and departure, transport, accommodation, catering, competitions, and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

Within the closed loop, participants will be allowed to move only between Games-related venues for training, competitions and work. A dedicated Games transport system will be put in place. 

These principles will provide the foundations for more detailed Playbook rules to be announced later.

The principles are based on wide-ranging consultations with international experts and Chinese authorities.

With less than half the nations and a quarter of the athletes involved, the Winter Games is significantly smaller that the Summer Games, dramatically reducing the Covid risk.

The threat of a political virus stemming from China’s policies and activities in the Indo-Pacific in recent times may be more difficult to contain than a biological virus with calls for a Beijing boycott likely to grown louder in the coming months.