The Court of Arbitration for Sport and Athlete Protests: A Focus on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics

Abstract

This research paper aims to delve into the complex intersection of athlete protests, political expressions in sports, and the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s (CAS) role, particularly emphasizing the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. An exploratory design is employed, combining historical context with analytical insight. The structure covers an introduction to CAS and the significance of athlete protests, traces the historical precedent of political expressions in Olympic Games, elaborates on the jurisdiction and procedures of CAS, provides a meticulous overview of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics controversies, and conducts a comparative analysis with previous Olympic CAS rulings. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics witnessed an unprecedented surge in athlete protests and political expressions. Key CAS rulings during these games had a profound influence on athlete behaviour, public opinion, and the stance of the Olympic Committee. Notably, CAS’s decisions revealed a cautious approach, balancing the Olympic guidelines and athlete rights. The study illuminates the evolving dynamics between sports institutions and athlete expressions. CAS, as an adjudicatory body, plays a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of such protests, potentially influencing future Olympic policies. Gaining insights into the intricacies of the CAS decisions empowers sports professionals, athletes, and decision-makers to predict the possible outcomes of upcoming disputes. This in turn contributes to more seamless Olympic events. The present study delves deeply into the CAS’s engagement with athlete protests during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Distinct from previous research, this work amalgamates historical, procedural, and ethical dimensions, offering a comprehensive understanding of an area that is both intricate and under the global spotlight.