Clashes between pro-Tibet demonstrators and police in London and Paris have ensured this year's Olympic Games are truly mired in politics.
And France may yet pull out of the Games.
An inevitable but sorry state of affairs, according to the Chairman of the Isle of Man Sports Council, Geoff Karran.
Mr Karran says there's an important distinction between governments choosing to boycott world events - and individuals making a personal stand.
Mr Karran says athletes who've devoted years of their lives to training should be free to make up their own minds (audio file attached):
(Picture of Geoff Karran from iomgp.net)
Orsted: Manx public's views will decide future of Mooir Vannin
GNAAS prepares for TT period with enhanced on-Island support
TT healthcare, Census and airport radar among House of Keys questions
Fire crews tackle house fire on Ballaoates Road
Charity urges people to report basking shark sightings