Ren-Guey v. Lake Placid 1980 Olympic Games, Inc.
New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division
424 N.Y.S.2d 535 (1980)

- Written by Sean Carroll, JD
Facts
The United States withdrew diplomatic recognition of the Republic of China (Taiwan) as a foreign government. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) adopted a resolution permitting both the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan to participate in the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. However, given the United States government’s lack of recognition of Taiwan, the IOC prohibited Taiwanese athletes from using the Taiwanese flag, anthem, and emblem. The IOC required Taiwanese athletes to submit alternatives. Liang Ren-Guey (plaintiff) qualified for the Olympics and wished to compete under the Taiwanese flag, anthem, name, and emblem. Ren-Guey sued Lake Placid 1980 Olympic Games, Inc. (Lake Placid) (defendant), the IOC’s surrogate in charge of the 1980 Olympics. The United States attorney general filed a motion to submit a statement of interest in the case on behalf of the United States. The New York Supreme Court ruled in Ren-Guey’s favor. Lake Placid appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Per curiam)
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