Olympics: Most Australian athletes against protest in Olympic competition

Australian Sally Pearson (L) and US Brianna Rollins compete in the women's 100m hurdles event as US Brianna Rollins falls at the Golden Gala, the 4th stage of IAAF Diamond League 2015 on June 4, 2015 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. AFP PHOTO

A vast majority of Australian athletes believe messages of personal or political protest should not be delivered in Olympic competition or on the medallists' podium, a survey conducted by the country's athletes' commission said on Friday.

More than 80% of 496 respondents said protesting on the field of play would "detract from the performance or experience of athletes", according to the survey by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) Athletes' Commission.