What’s happening:

Olympics ambassador and former French national basketball player Emilie Gomis sparked outrage by sharing a controversial imagery on her Instagram story, occurring shortly after Hamas’s unexpected attack on Israel.

Why it matters:

The event raises questions over the intentions or beliefs that might underpin her actions as the international spectacle of the Paris 2024 Olympics approaches. Given the prevalence of Christchurch to Kyiv, Palestine, and Paris, maintaining a neutral and peaceful Olympics is of paramount importance.

Reactions to Gomis’s Post:

After Gomis’s social media post implied the expansion of Israeli influence over France, accusations of antisemitism surfaced. These developments contradict the sporting community’s standards and the inclusive spirit of the Olympics. The Paris 2024 committee convened urgently to address the issue at hand.

Olympics ambassador apologizes:

Gomis responded to censure by apologizing to any who were offended by her post, asserting that her upbringing and sport have always espoused respect for all people irrespective of background. The Instagram account she managed, which boasts over 17,000 followers, became the subject of inspection and stirred up debate.

The larger picture:

As a testament to the interconnectedness of sports and global politics, the instance of Emilie Gomis’s post reminds observers of how athletes, officials, and other participants’ actions can instantaneously spark significant discussion, prompting organizers to reaffirm their commitment to envisioning a joyous Olympics, untarnished by political strife or social tensions.

What’s next:

Paris 2024’s board held an immediate meeting guided by the ethics committee’s declaration of Gomis’s breach of ethical obligations. A decision was anticipated by day’s end, further outlining the Paris 2024 stance on upholding the Olympic spirit amid international challenges.

This story was first published on jpost.com.