Olympians Criticize IOC for Not Condemning Iran’s Execution of Wrestler

A coalition of seven Olympians, including three gold medalists, condemned the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for not condemning Iran's execution of 19-year-old wrestler Saleh Mohammadi. The IOC stated it lacks the authority to intervene in a sovereign nation. "It is very difficult to comment on situations..." the IOC said. The Olympians argue the IOC should stand up for athletes and take decisive action against Iran.

Nancy Hogshead: "The governing organizations of the Olympics are non-political, but denouncing the murder of an athlete is not political-it's doing the right thing."

Tyler Clary: "The IOC’s statement reads like corporate damage control, not moral leadership."

Maciej Czyzowicz: "Iran should be banned from the Olympic Games for its behavior."

Keith Sanderson: "The IOC enriches itself at the expense of athletes and cannot stand up for the lives of athletes murdered by regimes."

Ruben Gonzalez: "The IOC’s refusal to speak out against Iran is shameful."

Katie Uhlaender: "The IOC’s excuse for inaction is a convenient way to dodge accountability."