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Opinion: Once an outspoken defender of free speech, USOPC now prefers to say nothing

BEIJING – The Olympic bubble truly is a magical place.

In it, there is no need for U.S. athletes to weigh a boycott of the opening ceremony in protest of the host’s repressive ways. No reason for U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee leaders to warn athletes to keep their mouths shut for fear of being punished.

All that matters are the fun and Games to be had, now and in the future.

USOPC leaders have not debased themselves anywhere close to the level of International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach, who won’t spare even the barest level of humanity for the tormented Uyghur population.