With only 11 days to go, we want to wish @alliseeisgold best of luck in #Rio at the 2016 https://t.co/TFULBwoeZ3

— MusclePharm (@MusclePharm) July 26, 2016

The above tweet from Muscle Pharm was posted on July 25. That's exactly two days before the Rule 40 blackout went into action.

What's Rule 40?

Well, Rule 40 is a stipulation put in place by the International Olympic Committee. It states an athlete's non-approved sponsors cannot communicate on social media to or about their athlete from July 27-August 24, and in return, the athlete cannot do the same. This rule has many different punishments, one of which includes the removal of an athlete's medals.

Lucky for Olympic and multiple time world champion Jordan Burroughs, a few of his sponsors are on the approved list for the Olympic Games. But a lot of wrestlers aren't as lucky as Burroughs. There are a number of sponsors that do not appear on the approved list.

Here are the sponsors that do have approval (via teamusa.org):


With the blackout currently in place until late August, some non-approved sponsors made sure to send their tweets of support in advance.

.@AdelineGray knows its about more than #wrestling. Watch how the #PowerofFans inspires her. #wantitmore pic.twitter.com/LkzIBPUnym

— ASICS Wrestling (@ASICSWrestling) July 23, 2016

 

Get geared up to support Tervel in RIO! Available now through Aug. 21... #KeepWrestling https://t.co/GRX9MjTxAC pic.twitter.com/FHBFoRBSa5

— Cliff Keen Wrestling (@CKAwrestling) July 23, 2016