Two American athletes used the medal ceremony at the Pan American Games in Peru to draw attention to issues in the U.S.
Fencer Race Imboden, 26, took a knee during the team’s medal ceremony and hammer thrower Gwen Berry raised her fist while the U.S. national anthem played.
Imboden said in a tweet after the ceremony that he was protesting a number of issues, as well as President Trump.
“We must call for change. This week I am honored to represent Team USA at the Pan Am Games, taking home Gold and Bronze. My pride however has been cut short by the multiple shortcomings of the country I hold so dear to my heart. Racism, Gun Control, mistreatment of immigrants, …”
“And a president who spreads hate are at the top of a long list. I chose to sacrifie [sic] my moment today at the top of the podium to call attention to issues that I believe need to be addressed. I encourage others to please use your platforms for empowerment and change,” he said.
and a president who spreads hate are at the top of a long list.
I chose to sacrifie my moment today at the top of the podium to call attention to issues that I believe need to be addressed. I encourage others to please use your platforms for empowerment and change.— Race Imboden (@Race_Imboden) August 10, 2019
Berry, 30, told USA Today that she raised her fist because of “all of the injustices” in the U.S. and “a president who’s making it worse.”
“It’s too important to not say something,” Berry said. “Something has to be said. If nothing is said, nothing will be done, and nothing will be fixed, and nothing will be changed.”
U.S. hammer thrower Gwen Berry raises her fist at the end of the national anthem at the Pan Am Games today. (h/t @sergeta) pic.twitter.com/gnBCEEDN1m
— Nick Zaccardi (@nzaccardi) August 11, 2019
The Pan American Games features summer sports and takes place every four years in the year before the summer Olympics. It’s possible that both Imboden and Berry will represent the U.S. during next year’s Olympics in Tokyo.
