Two American athletes protested President Trump at their Pan Am Games medal ceremonies.
At the Pan Am Games last week, America fencer Race Imboden took a knee while the National Anthem played during his medal ceremony. According to Imboden, who took home Gold and Bronze medals, he was protesting a “president who spreads hate.” He posted a statement of intent on Twitter:
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 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.
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
Imboden told CNN that following the recent mass shootings were the most imminent reason he felt the need to point others towards change instead of just enjoying his moment.
“I think that the catalyst was certainly the shootings this past week…being an athlete who’s on the road a lot and seeing the terrible things that are happening and wanting to evoke change.”
Fencer @Race_Imboden on why he took a knee on the podium at the Pan Am Games: “I think that the catalyst was certainly the shootings this past week…being an athlete who’s on the road a lot and seeing the terrible things that are happening and wanting to evoke change.” pic.twitter.com/5ZkeBsIP5z
— CNN Newsroom (@CNNnewsroom) August 11, 2019
Imboden isn’t the only American who used their moment to make a statement about the President. U.S. hammer thrower Gwen Berry raised her fist at the end of the national anthem during her medal ceremony. This gesture echoed the raised fists of athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Olympics to protest the treatment of African Americans.
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
