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(Wire Services) LIMA, Peru— Olympic fencing medalist Race Imboden took a knee in protest of social injustice, including what he called the spreading of hate by President Trump, during his team’s foil medal ceremony at the Pan American Games.
The American knelt during the national anthem at the medal ceremony Friday to protest racial and social injustice. He won a bronze medal in the individual men’s foil event and then took gold in the team competition with Gerek Meinhardt and Nick Itkin.
“This week I am honored to represent Team USA at the Pan Am Games, taking home Gold and Bronze,” Imboden said on Twitter. “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.”
The 26- year-old competed in London 2012 and Rio 2016, where he won the team bronze medal. He could now face punishment from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
“Every athlete competing at the 2019 Pan American Games commits to terms of eligibility, including to refrain from demonstrations that are political in nature. In this case, Race didn’t adhere to the commitment he made to the organizing committee and the USOPC,” Mark Jones, vice president of communications for USOPC said in a statement Saturday.
“We respect his rights to express his viewpoints, but we are disappointed that he chose not to honor his commitment. Our leadership are reviewing what consequences may result.”
