Olympics

Joey Cheek, Speed Skating Gold Medalist and Critic of China, Barred From Olympics

Posted Aug 06, 2008 7:37AM By Michael David Smith (RSS feed)

Filed Under: China, USA

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Joey Cheek won the gold medal in the 500-meter speed skating event at the 2006 Winter Olympics, and he had hoped to join tens of thousands of visitors from around the world in attending the Summer Olympics.

But he won't be permitted on Chinese soil. Cheek co-founded Team Darfur, which raises awareness about human rights violations in the Sudan. And since China is Sudan's ally, China has revoked Cheek's visa.
The Washington Post reports:
Cheek said in a telephone interview Tuesday night that he received a call shortly after 5 p.m. (Eastern time) from someone either from the Chinese embassy or consulate who informed him that his visa had been revoked.

"I asked for a reason, and they said we don't give reasons," said Cheek, 29, a part-time Washington resident who was scheduled to leave for Beijing on Wednesday afternoon.

He said his visa request had been granted a few weeks ago. "I said, who else can I speak to about this, and they said, 'There is no other recourse.' "

China promised before it was awarded the Olympics that it would permit free expression and dissent, but with the Olympics about to begin, China is breaking its promises.

UPDATE: Team USA has chosen the Sudanese-born Lopez Lomong to carry the American flag at the opening ceremonies.

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