Opinion: Sports and politics are almost inseparable and always empower athletes

Sports across the course of history have been used as a stage for more than just competition but for a message in the midst of political tension.

By: Alejandro Garcia, Sports Editor

(Alexis Harris for the Valley Star)

Seven members of the women’s Iranian national soccer team made headlines recently for  seeking asylum following their defeat at the women's AFC Asian Cup. 

The Iranian Lionesses suffered elimination to the Philippines, 2-0, ending their Asian Cup dreams in early March. Seven of the players refused to fly back to Iran due to the ongoing conflict among the United States, Israel and Iran. Instead, the women wanted to remain in Australia, the host nation of the tournament.

With no clear resolution to a war going on for almost a month, the political turmoil has webbed these women in a state of sacrificial and guilt-ridden sentiment for not returning home. A looming fear of facing dire consequences if stepping back in home soil, but troubled with disloyalty for deserting their country.

For decades, fans have debated the idea of sports and politics and wish for a time where they remained in their respective arenas. Sporting events are seen as a podium to appreciate the pastime and forget about political trouble. 

But history shows us that this idea is impossible. Every sport has the capability in bringing awareness and aid by serving as a platform for voices and stories to be shared.

American champions Tommie Smith and John Carlos had the world at their feet, crowning themselves as some of the fastest men on the planet at the 1968 Mexico Summer Olympics. During the national anthem, they stood on the podium raising their fists in silence, donning a single black glove and no shoes, with pitch black socks as a symbol for African-American poverty. 

The late '60s in America was jammed with battles for equality and civil rights. Their protest went beyond their athletic prowess. It was an act in defiance and stance towards all those experiencing prejudice and harsh treatment based on the color of their skin or status. The issues and unjust racial intolerance faced back home and across the globe was something they could not outrun. 

Athletes don’t just serve as representations for their team but as symbols and leaders. Politics does not in any shape or form “ruin” the idea of sports or make it unwatchable. If anything, it becomes more impactful and elevating.

Most sports or political historians remember Jesse Owens, who opposed the radical Nazi ideology of Aryan supremacy in the 1936 Olympics held in Berlin, a time when Hilter came to power. 

He humiliated the Nazi party by winning four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, standing above everyone on the podium championing his medals to the world. 

Other athletes and American officials opposed the games in Germany due to the ongoing global tensions during World War II. Owens decided to compete in protest and counter the Aryan propaganda. Standing out as one of the most influential athletes in the world, saluting on live television during one of the most divided times in our history. His salute was not just a sign of black power and patriotism but a salute to the American people and the world.

Deemed “Wartime traitors” by the Iranian state television, the Lionesses stood in absolute silence as the Iranian national anthem played during their pre match ceremonies against South Korea. The silence was a defiance towards the Iranian regime and silent protest in solidarity with their motherland. Threats came from the Iranian media towards the lionesses, while others sided with the team and praised their heroics. 

"I’m just thinking about this in the context of, like, the immense pressure that these young adults and these young women are under to make a decision like this," stated former United States women’s soccer captain, Megan Rapinoe during a segment in her podcast “A Touch More.”

Welcomed back home in Tehran, five members of the Iranian team received flowers, engulfed in a wave of fans celebrating their courageous actions. The five players chose to return home and withdraw their initial bid for asylum. Concerned for their families and homes, the shared love and experience between the country was unbreakable, going beyond the game of soccer. 

With these ongoing stories and events, politics and sports are inseparable and should not be kept apart. Where there lies political tension, there exists someone striving for a change. The dilemma these women are facing proves there is no need for separation. Their match did not end the day the final whistle blew; it marked the start of a new half defined by a life-altering choice. 

The Lionesses’ roar in stance for their country and its people was heard across the globe. Sometimes the score of a game does not define who these athletes are, but rather the actions they take off the pitch where the entire world is watching.