Fencer Race Imboden is the latest athlete politicize the National Anthem, kneels at Pan Am Games
American fencer Race Imboden joins the rank of athletes interested in infusing their politics into sports, kneeling on the victory stand at the Pan American Games and using the platform as a way to jab at his home country on social media Friday.
Imboden proudly posted a photo of his despicable act on Twitter along with a sorry explanation:
“We must call for change.
This week I am honored to represent Team USA at the Pan Am Games, taking home Gold and Bronze. 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 sacrifie my moment today at the top of the podium to call attention to issues that I believe need to be addressed. I encourage others to please use your platforms for empowerment and change.”
Along with teammates Gerek Meinhardt and Nick Itkin, Imboden helped the USA defeat Brazil, 45-23 in the team foil gold-medal match.
Imboden is a two-time fencing Olympian who won bronze at the 2016 Summer Games. Bleacher Report’s Tim Daniels writes that Imboden took a knee as “a form of silent protest” during the medal ceremony to celebrate the Americans’ gold medal at the 2019 Pan American Games in Peru.
“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 and changed. I encourage others to please use your platforms for empowerment and change.”
US Olympic & Paralympic Committee Chief Executive Officer Sarah Hirshland wrote to hammer thrower Gwen Berry (raised her fist in the air and bowed her head while on the stand) and Imboden, saying “while I respect your perspective — and that of every athlete for whom I’m lucky enough to serve — I disagree with the moment and manner in which you chose to express your views.”
Hirshland’s letter warned the two athletes another code violation could result in “more serious sanctions” than for an athlete in good standing after issuing a 12 month ban.
This prompted 2020 presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke to chime in, tweet “There’s nothing more American than to peacefully stand up, or take a knee, for what you believe in—to protest racism and social injustice in this country. I am with Gwen Berry. I am with Race Imboden. And I call on the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee to reverse their probation.”
Beto is right that Race has free speech and the right to express himself, but that stand is NOT 100% about Race, but rather America.
That said, rules don’t matter if the leftist ideology can be propped up.
Michael Moore tweeted: “Champion U.S. fencer took a knee on medals podium during national anthem as he called for social change in the US. We must all join him and others who risk criticism and punishment and take our own personal stands against this madness. R u ready?”
Who is or would be attacking Michael Moore for leftist stands?
The PR machine for Imboden is just kicking off as the left seem poised to leave Colin Kaepernick behind as a new NFL season nears. Leftism needs celebrities and infusing more of their ideology in sports is part of the agenda.
Imboden has tweeted photos a recent gun control rally and began interviews promoting his martyrdom and “sacrifice” for the issues.
Fox News’ Todd Starnes says “Imboden brought shame upon himself, his family, his teammates and most of all — the nation. It was a selfish, disloyal and unpatriotic slap in the face.
“At the very least he owes the country an unequivocal apology. Regardless, Imboden must be removed from the team and replaced with a fencer who actually loves the nation he is representing.”
While I seriously doubt the immediate family will feel shamed as they likely agree with his politics. Those around him who do NOT agree with those politics will join Starnes in their anger, embarrassment and separation due to his stunt.
Yes stunt…a publicity stunt to mark down to virtue signally.
A successful white, male Olympian is hardly a mark of oppression in America. Imboden is a delusional leftist who thinks this help his cred with the other elitists, but wait…they will turn on him. He’s NOT woke enough to be a true torchbearer. He may be a moment in the sun, but they will come to devour those not viewed higher in victim Olympics.
