Race Imboden, US Fencing Medalist, Protests During National Anthem

US fencing medalist kneels during national anthem at Pan Am Games to speak out against racism, Trump https://t.co/bpWH2cSDgx pic.twitter.com/4UcCP7106Q

— The Hill (@thehill) August 11, 2019

From The Hill:

An American who medaled in fencing at the Pan American Games took a knee during the national anthem to protest racial and social injustice.

Race Imboden, who earned a bronze medal in the individual men’s foil event and a gold in the team competition, knelt as the national anthem was played during a medal ceremony during the competition Friday in Lima, Peru.

Imboden is pictured on the podium kneeling as his teammates Gerek Meinhardt and Nick Itkin are stand.

“This week I am honored to represent Team USA at the Pan Am Games, taking home Gold and Bronze,” Imboden said on Twitter following his protest. “My pride however has been cut short by the multiple shortcomings of the country I hold so dear to my heart."

Imboden, 26, added that "Racism, Gun Control, mistreatment of immigrants and a president who spreads hate" were atop the list of shortcomings he sees in the United States.

"I chose to sacrifie my moment today at the top of the podium to call attention to issues that I believe need to be addressed," he said. "I encourage others to please use your platforms for empowerment and change."

“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, U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) spokesman said in a statement, according to The Associated Press.

“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,” he added.

Here's Imboden's tweet hyping his protest.

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. Racism, Gun Control, mistreatment of immigrants, pic.twitter.com/deCOKaHQI9

— Race Imboden (@Race_Imboden) August 10, 2019

Imboden didn't honor the commitment he chose to make.

Loser.

Hater.