Myanmar swimmer Win Htet Oo has gone public with his intentions to forgo qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics in what he describes as a form of protest against the “military dictatorship” in his homeland. The athlete now based in Australia had previously written to the International Olympic Committee asking to compete as a neutral athlete, but that request was denied. Since he has rejected competing under the leadership of the Myanmar Olympic Committee, Win Htet Oo forgoes any chance of qualifying. The SCMP’s Patrick Blennerhassett spoke with the swimmer about why he has given up the Olympic dream he has worked on for many years.
