DAVE & DUJANOVIC

Utah Olympian warns politicians to keep out of athletes’ careers

Dec 14, 2021, 5:22 PM

Olympics...

The logos for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics are seen at an exhibit at a visitors center at the Winter Olympic venues in Yanqing on the outskirts of Beijing, Friday, Feb. 5, 2021. The 2022 Beijing Olympics begin this week. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

(AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah Olympian said politicians ought to stop messing around with the careers of athletes by using them as political pawns in international disputes.

On Monday, Rep. Chris Stewart, R-Utah, called for a full US boycott of the 2022 Beijing Winter Games. Meaning Team USA would not travel to China to compete in the Olympics. How do the other D.C. lawmakers from Utah feel about joining Stewart in his full boycott?:

“Rep. Curtis supports a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Olympics and has worked hard to raise awareness to the human rights abuses happening in China. He appreciates the work of Congressman Stewart to also raise awareness to this issue.”

Blake Moore

“I am fully supportive of a diplomatic boycott so our athletes— who have dedicated their entire lives to compete in the Olympics— can go dominate them and make America proud. A diplomatic boycott—with other nations joining—sends the right message, but let’s quit politicizing this. The way we defeat China is to stop getting into more and more debt, ensure our military has what they need to counter their aggressive advances, and find other manufacturing options. I did not train my whole life for this short window of opportunity; the athletes did. Let’s see Old Glory flying high over every venue in Communist China. Go Team USA!” — Rep. Moore

 

Burgess Owens
Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

“Communist China has a long and painful record of genocide, human rights abuses, forced labor, draconian COVID-19 measures, and aggression towards the U.S. and our allies. A full diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics is the least we can do. We should use every tool in our tool chest to send them a strong and unequivocal message: America will not stand by and allow this evil to go unchecked.” — Rep. Burgess Owens

 

An athlete’s perspective

Utah marathon runner Jared Ward joined KSL NewsRadio’s Dave & Debbie to discuss what it would mean to athletes to miss out on the Olympics next year. He wished athletes’ careers wouldn’t be used as part of political games.

“When you train for four years to prepare for one Olympics, and that Olympics affects your entire career and livelihood as an athlete,” he said. “It’s a big deal when people start using that as a political pawn.”

As a long-distance runner, Ward finished sixth at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. He said that opportunity opened up his career as a marathoner.

“I’d say the Olympic experience in 2016 has given me the runway financially to continue to have a career as a marathon runner, even as my wife and I raised five kids,” he said. “I’m still riding the wave five years later that started for me in Rio.”

Debbie pointed out that Beijing was awarded the 2022 Winter Games by the International Olympic Committee in 2015.

“Perhaps this is more of a conversation to be had seven years ago,” she said.

Dave & Dujanovic can be heard weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon. on KSL NewsRadio. Users can find the show on the KSL NewsRadio website and app, as well as Apple Podcasts and Google Play.  

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Dave & Dujanovic

Guests look over items during the opening of Tabitha’s Way Local Food Pantry in American Fork on ...

Mark Jones

Tabitha’s Way: Food pantry lending help to those in need

The co-founders of Tabitha's Way in Utah County joined Dave & Dujanovic on Thursday to discuss how their food pantry works and where they get their food.

11 months ago

debt...

Curt Gresseth

Ticktock: US steps closer to debt default

Robert Spendlove, senior vice president and economic and public policy officer at Zions Bank, joins the show to discuss what would happen if the federal government defaults on its debt.

11 months ago

FILE - Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., leaves a House GOP conference meeting on Capitol Hill in Washing...

Mark Jones

Legal expert weighs in on the future of Rep. George Santos

KSL Legal Analyst Greg Skordas joined Dave & Dujanovic to discuss the future of New York Rep. George Santos, who was indicted on 13 federal charges on Wednesday.

11 months ago

social media posts...

Devin Oldroyd

What is law enforcement’s role in monitoring social media posts?

An alleged gunman who killed eight in Texas left behind alarming social media posts. should law enforcement have seen this tragedy coming?

11 months ago

Sprinklers water a lawn in Salt Lake City on Friday, May 7, 2021. (Spenser Heaps, Deseret News)...

Curt Gresseth

Are you eligible for a landscape rebate?

Only 35 of Utah’s 329 cities qualify for the landscape rebate, which pays homeowners $3 per square foot to rip out their thirsty lawns. Cynthia Bee of the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District joins the show to discuss the statewide program.

11 months ago

riverbanks...

Curt Gresseth

Riverbanks are scary unstable now, so stay back, warns safety expert

Jason Curry, director of the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation, joins the show to talk about how dangerous not only the raging rivers are now but also the banks can be deadly unstable, too.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Utah Olympian warns politicians to keep out of athletes’ careers