Don't mix sport and politics, warns Henin

Politics must be kept out of sport at this year's Olympics [Images] if the Beijing [Images] Games are to be a success, tennis gold medallist Justine Henin [Images] said on Tuesday.

The Belgian world number one was responding to media reports that athletes who speak out on politics or human rights in China may not be allowed to take part in the Games.

"Politics and sport must remain separate," Henin said at the Antwerp Diamond Games.

"We [athletes] must be focused on our job which is sport, which is our passion. We all hope to bring joy to the people watching the Games and that is what is important. We must bring this passion of sport if it is to be a success."

"I am of course concerned about the politics surrounding the Games, but I am going there to play tennis not play politics," Henin said.

Activists and lawmakers around the world are hoping to capitalise on this year's Olympics by pressuring Beijing on a range of issues, from freedom of religion to Taiwan and Tibet.

One British newspaper reported this month that only Belgium and New Zealand [Images] had so far banned their athletes from giving political opinions at the Games.

Henin said retaining the gold medal she won in Athens four years ago and ending her Wimbledon title drought are her two top goals for 2008.

"Winning in Athens gave me so much pleasure. The Olympics is very high for me in 2008," she said.

"Wimbledon is a goal for me of course again. It is the only one [Grand Slam] I have not won. Wimbledon is a lot of pressure for me. But we will see what will happen there."

The 25-year-old denied she is disappointed not to be on course for a memorable "golden Grand Slam" following her exit from last month's Australian Open.

Victory in Melbourne combined with wins at the All-England club, the French Open, US Open and gold in Beijing would have seen Henin repeat a feat only ever achieved by Steffi Graf [Images] in 1998.

"It's so difficult to win one Grand Slam, so to win four and an Olympic medal would be very difficult. Only Steffi Graf has done this and she was a very special player. She was unique."

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