U.S. fencer Race Imboden decided he was going to use his platform this week to bring attention to issues that are near and dear to his heart.
During Friday’s medal ceremony at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru — Imboden took a knee on the podium and furthered explained his positioning as to why he did it in a tweet.
“I am honored to represent Team USA at the Pan Am Games,” he said. “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 [sic].”
His tweet came less than a week after 29 people saw their lives suddenly and tragically taken away from them in mass shootings in Texas and Ohio.
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His decision to kneel not only upset some people but he might be facing some stiff penalties as the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee is reviewing Imboden’s demonstration for possible consequences, according to NBCSports.com.
“Every athlete competing at the 2019 Pan American Games commits to terms of eligibility, including to refrain from demonstrations that are political in nature,” the statement said. “In these cases, the athletes didn’t adhere to the commitment they made to the organizing committee and the USOPC. We respect their rights to express their viewpoints, but we are disappointed that they chose not to honor their commitment.”
