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(Newser)
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American athletes who protested as a national anthem were played when they won gold medals at the Pan American Games were punished. The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee has placed Race Imboden, a shooter, and Gwen Berry, who is taking part in the hammer throw, to 12 months of probation, reports NBC News. Imboden took a knee and Berry raised his fist during ceremonies that took place earlier this month in Lima, Peru. The letters sent to both athletes to inform them of their probation also contained a warning: the penalty will be more severe if they do it again – and other athletes who attempt a similar action will also suffer more severe consequences. The athletes of the Pan American match have agreed not to make political gestures, said the committee.
Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the committee, said that she appreciated the "athletes' decision to become an active citizen," according to Hill, but not "the time and manner" with which they did it. Imboden said that he was protesting against "racism, gun control, ill-treatment of immigrants", as well as President Trump; Berry said she took "a stand for all the injustices that occur in America and a president that makes things worse." Imboden and Berry will remain eligible for the Tokyo Olympics next year, when, said the PA, the presidential campaign will be in full swing in the United States. (Read more national stories.)
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