Costa Rica’s Luciana Alvarado raises fist during gymnastics floor routine in support of Black Lives Matter
When Luciana Alvarado, an 18-year-old gymnast from Costa Rica, concluded her floor exercise routine at the Tokyo Olympics, she knelt on the spring floor and raised a fist in the air.
The simple gesture sent a message to the world that last summer’s reckoning on racial justice across the United States was just the tip of the iceberg for dismantling racism on a global scale.
Alvarado told the Associated Press that the routine was choreographed to honor the Black Lives Matter movement and to highlight the importance of achieving equality for all people.
“Because we’re all the same,” she said, “We’re all beautiful and amazing.”
PROTESTS:‘Things are changing:’ Expect protests aplenty from athletes at these Olympics
NEVER MISS A MEDAL:Sign up for our Olympic newsletter now
TEXT WITH US AT TOKYO OLYMPICS:Subscribe to texts, where we’ll be your official guide to the Games
The International Olympic Committee has cracked down on any protests or perceived political messages at the Olympic Games in the past. Tommie Lee Smith and John Carlos were expelled from the 1968 Games for raising their fists on the medal podium, and though the IOC’s rules have relaxed slightly, any form of protest or political speech is still banned during official ceremonies, during competition on the field of play and in the Olympic Village.
took a knee before their matches, and the Australian team linked arms to show support for Australian Aboriginal people. The German women’s gymnastics team also protested the sexualization of women’s sports by competing in full-length unitards instead of the traditional leotards.
Contact Emily Adams at eaadams@gannett.com or on Twitter @eaadams6.