Gwen Barry, an American hammer thrower, felt forced to explain her actions during the national anthem at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials after images were released showing her facing away from the flag. Berry is outspoken about racial injustice and has explained that she feels the moment was a setup. “I was pissed, to be honest,” she said.
“They said they were going to play it before we walked out, then they played it when we were out there,” said Berry. “But I don’t really want to talk about the anthem because that’s not important. The anthem doesn’t speak for me. It never has.”
When the “Star-Spangled Banner” began playing, Berry was receiving her bronze medal. She turned to the direction of the stands and then hoisted a shirt saying “Activist Athlete on it for the conclusion of the song.”
The fans in attendance hardly seemed to notice this occurrence. Criticism did not erupt until images of Berry surfaced standing next to the first and second-place finishers who stood facing the flag with their hand on their heart.
“My purpose and my mission is bigger than sports,” Berry said. “I’m here to represent those… who died due to systemic racism. That’s the important part. That’s why I’m going. That’s why I’m here today.”
Berry has made symbolic protests in the past, notable at the Pan-Am Games in 2019. A spokesperson for USA Track and Field provided a statement on the situation. “The national anthem was scheduled to play at 5:20 p.m. today. We didn’t wait until the athletes were on the podium.”
