Two U.S. athletes use podium moment to protest injustice
LIMA, Peru — Two Americans used their goldmedalwinning moments at the Pan American Games to draw attention to social issues back home that they believe are spiraling out of control.
During their medals ceremonies at the multisport event in Lima, fencer Race Imboden took a knee and hammer thrower Gwen Berry raised her fist. Both athletes could represent the U.S. less than a year from now at the Tokyo Olympics, where similar protests would be seen by a much wider audience.
“Racism, gun control, mistreatment of immigrants, and a president who spreads hate are at the top of a long list” of America’s problems, Imboden said in a tweet sent after his team’s foil medals ceremony. “I chose to sacrifice 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.”
Berry raised her fist as the national anthem was played to honor her win in the hammer throw. She called out injustice in America “and a president who’s making it worse.”
“It’s too important to not say something,” Berry told USA Today. “Something has to be said. If nothing is said, nothing will be done, and nothing will be fixed, and nothing will be changed.”
The history of highprofile protests at the Olympics dates to the 1968 Games in Mexico City, when American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists during the medals ceremony for the 200meter dash.
The issues haven’t changed all that much in 51 years.
Quarterback Colin Kaepernick has been out of a job since shortly after he started kneeling during the national anthem before 49ers games in 2016 to protest police brutality and social injustice in America.
Since then, athletes representing the U.S. have faced scrutiny about what, if any, signs of protest they might show if they land on the podium at an Olympics or other major event. Among issues that have been fodder for possible protest have been race relations, the treatment of the LGBT community, social injustice and disagreements with President Trump.
The actions by Berry and Imboden will test the Pan Am Sports Organization and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s resolve to enforce rules limiting political protests.
“Every athlete competing at the 2019 Pan American Games commits to terms of eligibility, including to refrain from demonstrations that are political in nature,” the USOPC said in a statement 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.”