(CNN) — Both US athletes that exhibited throughout separate National Anthems at a regional sports competition earlier this month have been placed on probation for 12 weeks.
US Olympic & Paralympic Committee Chief Executive Officer Sarah Hirshland composed to hammer thrower Gwen Berry and fencer Hurry Imboden, sayingwhile I admire your perspective — and that of every athlete to whom I am lucky enough to function — that I disagree with the second and manner in which you opted to convey your views.
All participants signed agreements to not make any political, religious, or racial remark in Lima, Peru in the Pan American Games.
Hirshlands letter warned the two athletes another signal violation could lead tomore significant sanctions compared to an athlete in good position.
Both athletes can still participate in sanctioned events. Berry will take part in the world track and field championships a month.
CNN has achieved through their sport federations to Imboden and Berry but neither individual responded immediately.
The representative of berry told CNN and wishes to focus on her training.
She wants no distractions because her objective is to medal to the USA in the womens hammer, something which has never been done before, John Nubani wrote in an email to CNN.
After her protest of a raised fist, she told track and field site FloTrack:I understand everything I did, and now I know I broke the rules, and Ill make that sacrifice. Im honored to make this sacrifice
While they all were on a ribbon podium berry raised her fist in the air and bowed her head and Imboden knelt on his right knee.
Taking a knee through the national anthem became a kind of civil protest following former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick sat then took a knee through the National Anthem during the 2016 soccer period in protest of police brutality and injustice against people of color.
Since then, many athletes, from NFL players, to football superstar Megan Rapinoe to high schoolers have knelt as a form of protest, sparking anger from Trump and others.
Following he knelt Imboden said:We must call for change. I am honored to represent Team USA in the Pan Am Games, carrying home bronze and silver. My pride nevertheless has been cut short by the multiple shortcomings of this country I hold dear to my heart. Gun control, mistreatment of immigrants, and also a president that spreads hatred are at the top of a long list.
I chose to (forfeit ) my second today near the peak of the podium to call attention to issues that I think have to be addressed. I encourage other people to please utilize your platforms for empowerment and change, he explained.
Imboden won a bronze medal on Tuesday in the mens individual foil, also is rated as the worlds second-best from the transparency event. He also helped the US win gold in the mens foil team event.
As Imboden knelt, his Gerek Meinhardt and Nick Itkin stood.
She raised her fist in the air and berry took gold in the womens hammer throw and bowed her in the conclusion of the National Anthem in protest. It was a demonstration reminiscent of John Carlos and Tommie Smith at the 1968 Olympics.
Somebody has to stand for all the injustices which are happening in America and a president who is making it worse, she told USA Today. Its too important not to say something.
The probationary period would incorporate the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, which begin.
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