American gold medalists reprimanded after protests at Pan American Games

Posted November 21, 2019

(CNN) — The two US athletes that exhibited throughout independent National Anthems in a regional sports contest earlier this month have now been put on probation for 12 months.
US Olympic & Paralympic Committee Chief Executive Officer Sarah Hirshland composed to hammer thrower Gwen Berry and fencer Race Imboden, stating”while I respect your view — and of each athlete to whom I am lucky enough to function — that I disagree with the second and way in which you chose to express your views.”
All participants signed agreements to not make some political, religious, or racial remark at the Pan American Games at Lima, Peru.
Hirshland’s letter cautioned the two athletes another code violation could result in”more severe sanctions” compared to an athlete in good position.
Both athletes may participate in events. Berry will take part in the world track and field championships every month in Doha, Qatar.
CNN has achieved to Berry and Imboden but individual responded.
The representative of berry told CNN interviews are not being done by her and wishes to focus on her training.
“She wants no distractions because her objective is to medal for the USA in the women’s hammer, a thing that has never been done before,” John Nubani wrote in an email to CNN.
After her demonstration of a raised fist, she advised track and field site FloTrack:”I know what I did, and I know I broke the rules, and I’ll make that sacrifice. I’m honored to make this sacrifice”
While they all were about a medal podium berry increased her fist in the air and bowed her mind and Imboden knelt.
Taking a knee became a form of civil protest following former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick first sat took a knee during the National Anthem against people of color throughout the 2016 football period in protest of police brutality and injustice.
Since that time, numerous athletes, to soccer star Megan Rapinoe to amateur schoolers, out of NFL players have knelt as a kind of protest, sparking anger from Trump and others.
After he knelt Imboden stated:”We have to call for change. I am honored to represent Team USA at the Pan Am Games, carrying bronze and home gold. My pride nonetheless has been cut short by the shortcomings of this nation that I hold so dear in my heart. Gun control, mistreatment of immigrants, along with a president that spreads hatred are on top of a listing.
“I decided to (sacrifice) my second now near the top of the podium to call attention to problems that I believe have to be addressed. I encourage other people to please use your programs for empowerment and change,” he said.
Imboden, 26, is ranked as the world’s second-best in the foil event, and won a bronze medal at the men’s individual foil. He helped the US win gold.
Since knelt, Nick Itkin and his teammates Gerek Meinhardt stood.
She raised her fist in the air , and berry took gold in the women’s hammer throw and bowed her in the end of the National Anthem. It was a protest reminiscent of John Carlos and Tommie Smith at the 1968 Olympics.
“Somebody has to stand for each the injustices that are happening in America and also a president who’s making it even worse,” she told USA Today. “It’s too important not to say something”
The period could include the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, which begin July 24.

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