This is one of the very strong images of this first Olympic week in Tokyo. This Friday, three fencers from the American team wore pink masks on the track to denounce the presence of their own teammate,
Alen Hadzic, accused of sexual assault. A way for them to take a stand and provide support to the victims. Pink is the color displayed in solidarity for women’s rights in the United States.
Alen Hadzic is accused by three women, facts which would have taken place between 2013 and 2015. He was notably suspended from Colombia University during the 2013-2014 school year due to an investigation into a sexual assault. Sportingly qualified for the Olympics, he was first suspended before winning on appeal.
#TeamUSA men’s epee team wore pink masks for their opening match at the Olympics as a show of support for sexual assault victims. Alen Hadzic— their teammate accused of rape and sexual assault— is on the left. Kudos to the team for taking a stand. #BelieveWomen pic.twitter.com/yRI4azelKN
– Ibtihaj Muhammad (@IbtihajMuhammad) July 30, 2021
He lives separately in Tokyo
He did not join Tokyo with the American delegation. It is also forbidden to stay in the Olympic Village and stay in a nearby hotel. Substitute within the épée team, he ultimately did not fight in these Olympic Games.