Why US Olympic hammer thrower Gwen Berry thinks she was ‘set’ during the national anthem
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Photos from the U.S. Olympic track and field competition on Saturday showed her back to the flag as she stood on the podium while “The Stars and Stripes” played during the U.S. national anthem, with U.S. hammer thrower Gwen Berry Felt compelled to explain her actions during the national anthem on Saturday. background. Berry, who has been outspoken about racial injustice in America, said the moment felt like an arrangement.
“Honestly, I’m pissed,” she said.
“They said they were going to play it before we went out, and then they played it while we were out,” Berry said. “But I really don’t want to talk about the national anthem, because that doesn’t matter. The national anthem doesn’t represent me. It never does.”
When the song begins, she’s getting a bronze medal. She then “fidgets” in the direction of the stands, and then, towards the end of the song, picks up a shirt that says “radical athlete.”
People who attended the event seemed to barely notice what was going on, completely unresponsive. Criticism of Berry didn’t start to heat up until photos of her facing first and second in opposite directions, and Deanna Price and Brooke Anderson — with their hands over their hearts — started circulating online.
“My purpose and mission are more important than the sport,” Berry said. “I’m here to represent those who … died of systemic racism. That’s the important part. That’s why I’m going. That’s why I’m here today.
Berry has previously staged a symbolic protest during the national anthem and raised his fist after winning the 2019 Pan American Games. As for accusing her of being framed, it’s worth noting that a USA Track and Field spokesperson gave the following statement to comment on the situation:”[T]The national anthem was scheduled to be played at 5:20 pm today. We didn’t wait for the athletes to get on the podium to claim their prizes. According to a previously announced schedule, the national anthem will be played every day. “
On Saturday, it plays five minutes later at 5:25 pm.
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