LIMA, Peru — Fencer Race Imboden and hammer thrower Gwen Berry face possible repercussions from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee for their protests over the weekend during their medal ceremonies at the 2019 Pan American Games.
Imboden, a two-time Olympian, took a knee on the medal stand as a member of the men’s foil team that won gold Friday. Berry raised a fist during the “Star-Spangled Banner” after winning her event Saturday.
On Twitter, Imboden posted that he sacrificed his moment on the podium to bring attention to issues in the U.S. with racism, gun control and immigration under “a president who spreads hate,” referring to President Donald 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, pic.twitter.com/deCOKaHQI9— Race Imboden (@Race_Imboden) August 10, 2019
The USOPC prohibits athletes from making political, religious or racial demonstrations during events on the Olympic circuit.
“Every athlete competing at the 2019 Pan American Games commits to terms of eligibility, including to refrain from demonstrations that are political in nature,” USOPC vice president of communications Mark Jones said in a statement to ESPN on Sunday. “In these cases, the athletes didn’t adhere to the commitment they made to the organizing committee and the USOPC. We respect their rights to express their viewpoints, but we are disappointed that they chose not to honor their commitment. Our leadership are reviewing what consequences may result.”
Closing ceremonies for the Pan American Games take place Sunday night.
