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Justine Henin Wants Focus on Athletes, Not Politics

Posted February 14, 2008 at 03:23 PM by Rich Rodriguez

Section: Beijing 2008, Events, Tennis

Tennis star Justine Henin is looking forward to another memorable experience at the Olympic Games, though she’s concerned the political controversies surrounding China, including Steven Spielberg’s withdrawal as artistic adviser, will overshadow the accomplishments of the athletes in Beijing.

The top-ranked Henin was asked about recent reports that certain countries, including New Zealand and her home country of Belgium, would ban athletes from the Summer Games if they speak out on politics or human rights in China. The reigning US Open champion, who is competing at this week’s Proximus Diamond Games, responded to the reports saying:

“Politics and sport must remain separate. We (athletes) must be focused on our job which is sport, which is our passion. We all hope to bring joy to the people watching the Games and that is what is important. We must bring this passion of sport if it is to be a success. I am of course concerned about the politics surrounding the Games, but I am going there to play tennis not play politics.”

In 2004, the 7-time Grand Slam champion surprised the tennis world when she won the gold medal in Athens after being out most of the season with the energy-sapping cytomegalovirus. “Winning in Athens gave me so much pleasure. The Olympic Games are very high for me in 2008,” said Henin.

Sources and for more information: [Times of Malta][Reuters]