Historical Context of Olympic Neutrality: The IOC has long upheld a policy of political neutrality, dating back to its early years. This principle was intended to foster unity and peace through sport, avoiding divisive political statements.

Notable Instances of Athlete Activism: Despite the IOC's stance on neutrality, there have been several significant instances of athlete activism, such as the Black Power salute by Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, which brought global attention to civil rights issues.

Recent Changes and Challenges: In recent years, the rise of social justice movements has challenged the IOC's rules on protests. Athletes have increasingly used their platforms to highlight issues such as racial inequality and human rights, prompting the IOC to reconsider its policies.

Balancing Act for the IOC: The IOC faces a delicate balancing act: maintaining its policy of neutrality while acknowledging the growing demand for social justice. This has led to ongoing debates and revisions of the rules governing protests at the Games.