It's simply a comparison of how you can skew things a long way in your favour if you market yourself correctly. Breaking laws in foreign countries does not help you (or your country) gain favour. Refusing to go would be a better choice, but hey, that would require giving up something that benefits yourself for the sake of others.
Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr gave up their freedom/lives for what they believed in. Giving up the Olympics is a small price to pay but I don't see too many people doing it.
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Breaking the laws of a country isn't not a good start either.