Reuters
June 28, 2021
Hammer thrower Gwen Berry turned away from the American flag while on the podium for the event’s medal ceremony at the U.S. Olympic trials on Saturday but said her move was not a message although she was upset at the timing of U.S. national anthem.
The Black athlete was suspended for 12 months by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) for a raised fist at the 2019 Pan American Games, but did so again before Thursday’s qualifying round as part of her quest for social change.
The USOPC had said in March that athletes competing in the U.S. Olympic trials can protest, including kneeling or raising a clenched fist on the podium or at the start line during the national anthem. read more