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Human rights groups have urged the
International Olympic Committee (IOC) to take the Games out of
China because of its treatment of Uighur Muslims and other human
rights concerns. China denies human rights abuses.
Commenting on a possible boycott of the Beijing Games, American
Shiffrin told CNN: "The Olympics is big, and it’s something that
you shoot for, and you don’t want to miss it.
"And you certainly don’t want to be put in the position of
having to choose between human rights, like morality versus
being able to do your job, which on the other hand can bring
light to some issues or can actually bring hope to the world at
a very difficult time."
Shiffrin, who won the giant slalom gold at the 2018 Pyeongchang
Olympics, said competing in countries accused of human rights
abuses was "tough".
"What’s a real bummer is that there’s not only accusations but,
like, legitimate proof in a lot of these places we’ve been going
the last several Olympics," she said.
"One of the important things about the Olympics is that it is
supposed to be a global event," she added. "I do understand the
importance of trying to stay true to that pledge, essentially.
But it is tough, to be honest."
The United States has not decided whether it will take part in
the 2022 Winter Olympics in China, a White House spokesman said
last week.
Shiffrin said the IOC needed to consider how athletes might be
affected when choosing Games hosts.
"I doubt it's an easy job, but it feels like there could be more
consideration when you're hosting an event that's supposed to
bring the world together and create hope and peace in a sense,"
she said. "Some places seem more fitting than others."
(Reporting by Ian Ransom; Editing by Gerry Doyle)
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