Constitutional Law

Olympic Coach's Use of Religion Raises Some Eyebrows

A U.S. Olympic coach’s use of his religious beliefs is drawing some media glare. The New York Times offers a below-the-fold front page article today on Kisik Lee, the U.S. archery team’s coach, and his infusion of Christianity into his coaching program. According to the article Lee, has organized religious gatherings with some of his athletes during the Olympics. For example, the newspaper reports, that the coach and some of his archers have met each morning to sing hymns, read Bible verses and attend church together at the Olympic Village.

Lee has also baptized some of his archers in a pool near the Olympic training center. Beyond catching the media’s attention, Lee’s actions have raised concerns of the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) and some of the archers’ family members. The USOC, created by Congress, is charged with ensuring that coaches act ethically toward their athletes, which includes not proselytizing them. (Indeed a year ago, the Times reported, that the USOC warned Lee not to pressure his athletes to participate in religious activities.) Lee told the newspaper that he just wants to show his athletes who he is. “I’m the witness of Jesus, not just an instructor. So I have to encourage them how, how we can change in Christ,” Lee said. To be an effective archer, Lee said, athletes must learn to focus. “If you are Christian, then people can have that kind of empty mind.”

Full post as published by ACS Blog on August 20, 2008 (boomark / email).