Indepent Olympic Athletes

[Marijn]

What are these, can someone tell me please. In the opening ceremony parade they wakled behind an olympic flag and not under their own country's flag. Is it because they don't want to represent their own country?

[sadielady]

I dont think I saw anyone walking behind and Olympic flag in the parade?

[boxtops]

I don't know what you mean - all the athletes walked behind their countries' flags. You can't compete unless you are in a national team.

[joeluke]

http://en.wikipedia.o..._2012_Summer_Olympics

[slaney]

Athletes have competed as Independent Olympians at the Olympic Games for various reasons, including political transition and international sanctions.

More information here..
http://en.wikipedia.o..._2012_Summer_Olympics

[Marijn]

Joe Luke and Slaney, thank you for your answers. Barb and Boxtops, they were in the procession that was in alphabetical order, and they came with the letter I for Independent athletes. Their flag was white with the five Olympic rings.

[bibblebub]

I saw them too and did wonder.

[bibblebub]

here they are during the ceremony http://www.sbnation.c...emony-gifs/in/2957682

[Marijn]

It's great to have Answerbank to satisfy my curiousity!

[Duncer]

What are the criteria for this?


Then again, having watched that, who would have them?

[boxtops]

well, I didn't know that.