The IOC is facing renewed calls to commemorate the victims of the 1972 Munich Olympic terrorist attacks with a minute silence in the Olympic Park.
This year marks the 40th anniversary and 10th Games since eleven members of the Israeli team were killed by Palestinian terrorists.
The Israeli government has expressed disappointment at the IOC’s unwillingness to officially commemorate the massacre.
In the past 24 hours both US President Barack Obama and Mayor of London Boris Johnson have signalled their support for the silence.
A spokesman for US President Barack Obama has said the White House “absolutely support the campaign for a moment of silence at the Olympics to honour the Israeli athletes killed in Munich.’
During his regular #AskBoris Twitter Q&A, the Mayor said: “Believe me we will have one. I was stunned to find Barcelona (20th anniversary) had nothing”.
Mr Johnson’s support follows a unanimous London Assembly motion calling on the Mayor “to use his position and influence to ensure an official minute’s silence remembrance is observed”.
Assembly Members want the silence to take place “in the Olympic Park during the Opening or Closing Ceremonies of the London Olympic Games.”
Andrew Dismore AM, who proposed last month’s motion, said: “Mayor Johnson has finally come out in support and now we have the American government backing this call. It is time for the IOC to act.”
Mr Dismore added: “By refusing the simple and dignified request for a minute’s silence, the IOC are making a fundamental mistake and missing an opportunity to both show respect and hold up the ideals that underpin the Olympics.”
“In remembering the murdered Israeli athletes we should also remember all those whose pursuit of sporting excellence has been hijacked by terrorism or political extremism.”
