Question: 'I mean, I am not on that man's side,' I said firmly.
I said something with emphasis.

Answer: yes

Question: Black Africans didn't take part until the third modern games, held in St. Louis in 1908.
Black Africans were always allowed to take part in the games.

Answer: no

Question: Sometimes it wouldn't lift.
There were times it couldn't be lifted.

Answer:
yes