Whatever the race organizers or referees consider a step too far. It’s really not that deep or difficult. As an athlete, avoid any display which could be interpreted as political or religious messaging if you want to be on the safe side. And race organizers can use discretionary judgement to penalize people whom they see as causing a problem but still let it pass when an athlete is just a little bit too enthusiastic but neither means nor causes harm.
I’m fully aware what the rule says. However, I reserve myself the right to look for the reasoning behind having that rule.
‘Needs’? Why? As long as it doesn’t lead to a string of copy-cats, a verbal warning to Hoel to tone it down a little bit in the future seems more than sufficient. There is no need to make an example out of him when Ironman doesn’t feel that he did set an example.
I don’t think it is truly black and white, especially when it comes to religion. For example, in the [ IRONMAN Texas Age-Group Men Bike Features thread, we hade one rider whose bike was covered in small crosses and the slogan ‘give me strength’. Is that ‘religious propaganda’ or just a form of personal motivation? What about the not uncommon act of religious athletes crossing oneself as a form of victory celebration?
I don’t see a problem with that. It’s the host nation’s national anthem. I fail to see how anybody would be made to feel unwelcome by the national symbols of the country which they themselves chose to pay a visit too.