Americans protest on medals stand at Pan American Games

LIMA, PERU: Two Americans used their medal-winning moments at the Pan American Games to draw attention to social issues back home that they feel are spiraling out of control. During their medals ceremonies at the sports festival in Lima, fencer Race Imboden took a knee and hammer thrower Gwen Berry raised her fist. Both athletes could represent the US less than a year from now at the Tokyo Olympics.
“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.” Berry raised her fist as national anthem was played to honour 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.
Their actions will test the Pan Am Sports Organization and the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s resolve to enforce rules that restrict political protests. The USOPC said on Sunday that its leadership is reviewing possible consequences.
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References

1. ^{^} Pan American Games (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
2. ^{^} gun control (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
3. ^{^} hammer throw (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
4. ^{^} USA Today (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)

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