Team Germany continues to show its support for Team LGBTQ. Field hockey captain Nike Lorenz will wear rainbow colors during her team’s matches after receiving clearance from the IOC.
This year, the IOC relaxed its restrictions on political demonstrations, though of course, we would argue that supporting LGBTQ people is moral — not political.
But still, it’s great to see an Olympic team captain standing with the LGBTQ community. Lorenz, 24, will wear her rainbow band in Germany’s opening match Sunday against Great Britain (Team GB has at least three out LGBTQ players).
In a tweet, the German Olympic Committee called Lorenz’s Pride-themed armbands and socks a “symbol of sexual diversity.”
“We are pleased that we have found a way together that enables the hockey team to make a socio-political statement,” said German Olympic Sports Confederation President Alfons Hörmann, via Inside the Games.
Lorenz, who won a bronze medal in Rio 2016, has worn rainbow-colored accessories before. To commemorate the IOC’s decision, she shared a celebratory (and Pride-filled) photo on Instagram.
Last month, Germany captain Manuel Neuer donned a rainbow armband at Euro 2020. Foolishly, European soccer’s governing body briefly investigated Neuer for the gesture.
At least this is one blunder the IOC didn’t make. We look forward to cheering on Lorenz in her rainbow best!
