In light of “racism, gun control, mistreatment of immigrants, and a president who spreads hate,” two American athletes used their platform to take a stand on social issues during their medals ceremonies at the Pan American Games last week. 

According to Yahoo News, fencer Race Imboden took a knee and hammer thrower Gwen Berry raised her fist in protest during the national anthem at the ceremonies in Lima, Peru. 

Following the ceremony, Imboden tweeted: “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.” 

“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,” he continued. 

Similarly, Berry protested to bring attention to America’s injustices and “a president who’s making it worse.” 

“Something has to be said. If nothing is said, nothing will be done, and nothing will be fixed, and nothing will be changed,” she told USA Today. 

Berry and Imboden join a roster of athletes who have used their platforms to challenge America’s problematic history of systemic racism and injustice. Last month, Carolina Panthers safety Eric Reid told reporters that he will continue to take a knee during the national anthem this upcoming NFL season. 

“If a day comes that I feel like we’ve addressed those issues, and our people aren’t being discriminated against or being killed over traffic violations, then I’ll decide it’s time to stop protesting,” he said.

With much attention around his activism, Reid, who began protesting alongside friend and former NFL superstar Colin Kaepernick, says he’s already been “randomly” drug tested twice during the two weeks he’s been in training camp. 

Both Imboden and Berry are set to represent the U.S. during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.


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