Team GB aims for the most successful Winter Olympics, and will support any athlete who decides to challenge the International Olympic Committee’s ban on podium protests.

Team leaders confirmed Thursday that they are seeking three to seven medals at the Olympics, which kick off in Beijing on February 4. If they reach the top end of their range, they will surpass a record five in the last two Winter Olympics.

The Olympics will take place amid strong opposition to China’s staging of the main event, with a diplomatic boycott imposed by Britain and the United States over the country’s human rights abuses. China has also come under intense scrutiny after the Peng Shuai scandal.

Given that the podium protest was the subject of a controversial ban by the IOC, it remains to be seen what response Beijing organizers will receive if it materializes, but the British Olympic Association will not stand in the way of its team members choosing to participate. Becomes.

BOA CEO Andy Anson said: “We’ve spoken to the IOC about this and they’re in almost the same position as us: they’re not entirely sure what the rules and guidelines are.” However, they have made it very clear that they will support the athletes’ freedom of expression and I think we are all working together to want to create the right environment.

Team GB bosses confirmed on Thursday that they are seeking three to seven medals at the Olympics, which kick off in Beijing on February 4.

China has also come under intense scrutiny after the Peng Shuai scandal (above).

“Podium situations are always difficult in that sense because we definitely want our athletes to respect the athletes they stand on the podium. (But) we will not curb their freedom of expression. This could be the only chance in their life that they own that platform.

“We support athletes and guide them along the way.”

Anson added that athletes have been urged to be “sensitive” to using social media while in China, and to carry out any “controversial” plans outside the Team GB hierarchy. He said: “We’ve been telling athletes all the time that we’re very happy they spoke, but that it makes sense and ideally to get in touch with them if they feel they’re doing something controversial.

British Olympic Association executive director Andy Anson (above) said they would support any athlete who decides to challenge the IOC ban on podium protests.

“It’s not us who will prevent our athletes from having an opinion. But equally, we are the ones who will give them reasonable guidance on local laws and what to expect locally so they don’t face a difficult situation. So a good balance .

The main hope in England’s 50-man team is Charlotte Bankes, who is currently leading the Snowboard Cross World Cup ahead of this weekend’s final event. “We are more competitive than ever in more disciplines,” said Kate Baker, UK Sports Performance Director.