Anthem Protests Find a New Venue

Fencer Race Imboden kneels at Pan-Am Games, while hammer thrower Gwen Berry raises her fist
By Polly Davis Doig,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 11, 2019 8:58 AM CDT
Anthem Protest Spreads to Pan-Am Games
Race Imboden of the US gives a thumbs up during his men's individual foil fencing semifinal match against Chile's Gustavo Alarcon at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2019.   (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

NFL players and Megan Rapinoe aren't the only American athletes protesting during the national anthem: Race Imboden, a US fencer and Olympic medalist, is in hot water with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee after taking a knee as the American flag was raised after he and his teammates won gold medals at the Pan-Am Games. "I am honored to represent Team USA at the Pan-Am Games," wrote Imboden. "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 sacrifice my moment today at the top of the podium to call attention to issues that I believe need to be addressed."

The USOPC says Imboden will likely face sanctions over the gesture, but the Guardian reports that he wasn't alone in his protest at the Pan-Am Games: American hammer thrower Gwen Berry raised her fist during the national anthem on Saturday after she won her own gold. (More national anthem stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X