Protest for Pan Am Games: Race Imboden and Gwen Berry put on probation after protesting at Pan American Games in Lima, Peru

Two American athletes were punished for demonstrating in front of the medal stand at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. According to letters from the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) obtained by the Associated Press, Race fencer Imboden and hammer thrower Gwen Berry were sentenced to a 12-month probationary period.

Earlier this month, Imboden took a knee and Berry raised his fist on the podium at the medal ceremony. USOPC President Sarah Hirshland wrote the letter Tuesday informing them of their probation and said protesting in future competitions, including the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, could cost more expensive.

"It is also important for me to point out that, in the future, issuing a reprimand to other athletes in a similar case is insufficient," wrote Hirshland in his letter.

"We recognize that we need to define more clearly for US team athletes what a violation of these rules will mean in the future," added Hirshland. "By working with athletes and national governing bodies, we are committed to more explicitly defining the consequences for US team members who will demonstrate at upcoming games."

The organization that oversees the Pan American Games, the Pan American Sports Organization, respects the rules of the Olympic Charter, which prohibits any manifestation, political or religious, at its games.

Both athletes will be eligible for the Olympics next year, months before a controversial presidential campaign.

Imboden, who won the gold and bronze medals at the Pan American Games, said he was kneeling because he was protesting against racism, the mistreatment of immigrants and the rhetoric of President Trump. "We must call for change," he said. tweeted.

Berry, first in the hammer throw, said she was protesting social injustice in America and that it was "too important to say nothing."