Five months ago, the International Olympic Committee reaffirmed its ban on political protests by specifying such gestures on a podium remain prohibited. Although the IOC said earlier this week it would begin talks that could lead to athletes making stronger protests at future Olympics, Warner wants more done.

Decathlete Damian Warner was honoured Friday by Athletics Canada as combined events athlete of the year after medalling at three major events in 2019, while Moh Ahmed's bronze-medal effort in the world 5,000-metre final was named most outstanding performance.

The International Olympic Committee budging slightly on its position about protest gestures during Olympic Games earned both support and criticism from some Canadian quarters.