Adam Gemili is prepared to incur the wrath of Olympic chiefs by sending an anti-racism message from the podium if he wins a medal in Tokyo.
The British sprinter blasted am IOC decision to enforce Rule 50, which bans protests on the podium, field of play or at ceremonies.
He said: “It is just ridiculous. It lacks sensitivity to what is happening in the world. Athletes will protest.”
The IOC’s decision follows a poll of athletes from 185 countries which they say found that 67% supported a ban on podium protests.
Gemili countered that that means “30 per cent ARE in favour of protest”, describing the ruling as a “very emotionless decision that was not sensitive to what's going on in the world”.
He indicated that should he upgrade his 200 metres fourth place in Rio, he would make a podium statement in Japan.
“Absolutely!” he told Eurosport . “It is the first step - if that means taking a knee I will do that. I do not stand racism!
"Whatever sanctions come my way, come my way. It is the first step to use that platform that we have, and if all the athletes do it, are they going to sanction all the athletes? No.
“We, the athletes, have the power: if we unite – similar to what happened with the Super League – then the IOC will have no choice but to get behind it."
Gemili added: “The speed at which the European Super League got shut down – within two days – [was impressive but] why can’t that focus be applied to racism and real issues?
"The Super League was about money, this is about equal rights for all humans. It dumbfounds me.”
Dina Asher-Smith will open her outdoor season by taking on world champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce over 100m in Gateshead on May 23.
