Protesting U.S. athletes receive 12-months probation
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[August 21, 2019]
(Reuters) - U.S. athletes Race
Imboden and Gwen Berry have been placed on probation for 12 months for
their political protests at the Pan Am Games, USA Today reported on
Tuesday.
Fencer Imboden took a knee and hammer thrower Berry raised her fist when
the U.S. national anthem played during their medal ceremonies earlier
this month, violating an agreement U.S. athletes sign before competing
internationally.
The probation means both athletes will still be eligible to compete at
next year's Tokyo Olympics.
Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, wrote
to both athletes informing them of the decision and said future protests
would be met with stiffer punishments. The letters were obtained by USA
Today Sports.
The Committee was not immediately available for comment when contacted
by Reuters.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2019/Aug/21/images/ads/current/farmers_bank_sda_prom_050614.png)
Hirshland said the two athletes were considered to be in a "a
probationary period for the next 12 months."
"This means you could face more serious sanctions for any additional
breach of our code of conduct than might otherwise be levied for an
athlete in good standing," she wrote.
After his protest in Peru, Imboden took to Twitter to explain his
actions and to "call for change".
"This week I am honored to represent Team USA at the Pan Am Games,
taking home gold and bronze," he wrote.
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![](../images/082119pics/news_I13.jpg)
Gwen Berry places second in the women's hammer throw at 250-10
(76.46m) during the USATF Championships at Drake Stadium. Mandatory
Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
![](../images/ads/current/fitzpatrick_lda_SPONSOR_2017.png)
"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. I
encourage others to please use your platforms for empowerment and
change."
Athletes taking a knee has become a way of protesting injustice in
the United States.
The protest was first started in 2016 by former San Francisco 49ers
quarterback Colin Kaepernick to draw attention to social injustice
and police brutality.
Berry's raised fist recalled memories of what was perhaps the
Olympics' most famous protest when sprinters Tommie Smith and John
Carlos raised their clenched fists during the 200 meters medal
ceremony at the 1968 Mexico Summer Games.
(Reporting by Rory Carroll; Editing by Peter Rutherford +822 6936
1482)
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