But Rinehart’s involvement is closer, more personal and now, following the AOC deal, even more high-profile. She and her company are not just engaging in a transactional commercial sponsorship, but buying an intimate relationship with these sports and athletes. Her personal gifts to Olympians is indicative of that atypical involvement.
Guardian Australia sought comment from Swimming Australia, Rowing Australia, Artistic Swimming Australia, Volleyball Australia and the Australian Olympic Committee. The sports were asked whether their acceptance of Rinehart’s support might inhibit athletes from pursuing climate activism, whether the organisations had a position on climate action and net zero, and why they had not signed up to the Cool Down .
The AOC confirmed that, prior to Friday’s deal, neither it nor its foundation had received any financial support from Rinehart or Hancock Prospecting. However, in 2014, Rinehart was awarded the AOC’s Order of Merit. An AOC spokesperson said: “We have no concerns [about athletes being silenced]. Athletes with strongly held convictions on important issues are entitled to express their views with the same freedom as any individual.
In a statement published by the AOC following Friday’s announcement, Rinehart said “our company has been a long-term supporter of the summer Olympic sports of artistic swimming, rowing and volleyball for many years, and specifically over 30 years for swimming.
Strange, I didn't know iron ore was a fossil fuel
Funfact - The Guardian opposed Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War
Sportswashing. As distasteful when it’s done by polluting and environmentally destructive companies as when it’s done by corrupt and human rights breaching regimes. Only done for taxation and PR purposes by those with guilty consciences.