
USA fencer kneels on medal stand during national anthem, tweets about Donald Trump and gun control
United States gold medal winning fencer Race Imboden will face possible sanctions for taking a knee during the medal ceremony at the Pan Am Games, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) said on Saturday.
Part of the United States gold medal winning squad in the team foil event, Imboden dropped to one knee during Friday’s award’s ceremony as the U.S. flag in a political protest.
Imboden later explained his actions on Twitter.
“We must call for change,” wrote Imboden. “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, 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 police shootings of unarmed black men.
Imboden’s protest contravened an agreement all athletes on the U.S. team signed that states they will not “make remarks or release propaganda of political, religious or racial nature, or any other kind” during the Games.
“Every athlete competing at the 2019 Pan American Games commits to terms of eligibility, including to refrain from demonstrations that are political in nature,” USOPC spokesman Mark Jones to Reuters in a statement.
“In this case, Race didn’t adhere to the commitment he made to the organizing committee and the USOPC. 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.”
It is unknown what discipline Imboden could face but could impact his chances of competing at next year’s Olympics, where protests of a political nature are also banned.
Imboden’s protest follows nine-times Olympic champion Carl Lewis branding U.S. president Trump a “racist” and a “misogynist” during a press conference at the Games.

Paddlers Desai, Batra off to winning starts in WTT Contender series in Doha

It's March, the month when the Tokyo Olympics were postponed

Tiger Woods appreciative of Sunday's show of color
_1614611575433_1614611583216.jpg)
Vijender Singh marks return to ring with fight scheduled in Goa Casino ship

Wrestler Bajrang Punia leaves social media, to focus on Tokyo Olympics

Mary Kom to lead 14-strong Indian boxing team in Boxam International tourney

Vinesh Phogat resumes Tokyo Olympics re-build with title in Kiev meet

Feels like playing my playing first senior international event: Mudit Dani

Gold for Rakesh, mixed doubles pair in Fazza world ranking tournament
- Indian para archer Rakesh Kumar stood on top of the podium in the Compound event while the pair of Harvinder Singh and Pooja grabbed gold in the recurve mixed team event

Para athlete Nishad Kumar tests positive for COVID-19

Indian shooters disappoint in skeet mixed team event of ISSF Shotgun WC

Indian shotgun coach tests positive for Covid-19 in Cairo
- The coach had been immediately isolated after returning positive for the virus.

Canelo Alvarez continues to cement legacy, outclasses Yildirim to retain titles
- Alvarez, of Mexico, dropped the Turkish challenger with a left right combination to the head midway through the third round. Alvarez followed with additional combinations, pinning Yildirim on the ropes.

LeBron James rejects Zlatan''s criticism of activist athletes
