A US Olympic fencing champion took a knee on the podium at the Pan American Games — and now he may face disciplinary action.
Race Imboden — who took home gold in the team foil event — knelt during the national anthem at the medal ceremony Friday in Lima, Peru, in what he saw was a protest over racism and gun control.
“This week I am honored to represent Team USA at the Pan Am Games, taking home Gold and Bronze,” the 26-year-old competitor wrote 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.”
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee said Imboden’s protest violated guidelines that prevent its athletes from partaking in political demonstrations.
“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 committee said in a statement Saturday. “In this case, Race didn’t adhere to the commitment he made to the organizing committee and the USOPC.”
USOPC said it will determine whether Imboden — who won bronze at the 2016 Olympics — will be disciplined for the act.
“We respect his rights to express his viewpoints, but we are disappointed that he chose not to honor his commitment,” the group said. “Our leadership are reviewing what consequences may result.”
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