
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has asked China's Olympic Committee to explain why two Chinese cyclists, Bao Shanju and Zhong Tianshi, wore badges featuring the likeness of the country's late leader Mao Zedong during a medal ceremony on Monday.
Spokesman Mark Adams on Tuesday said the IOC has contacted the Chinese Olympic Committee about the incident. The following day he said the IOC was assured "this will not happen again."
IOC rules prohibit athletes from protesting or engaging in political demonstrations on the podium, though they are allowed to express their views at other Olympic venues.
American Raven Saunders, who won the silver medal in shot put, was the first athlete to protest on the podium at the Tokyo Games, crossing her arms into an X-shape during her medal ceremony Sunday. The IOC said it has “fully suspended” any action against Saunders after news of her mother's death overnight.












