Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesGwen Berry, a U.S. Track and Field athlete, is protesting those who criticized her protest during last week's Olympic Trials' national anthem. The Olympic hammer thrower, Gwen Berry, explained to USA Today's Black News Channel (h/t Emily Adams) why she felt "set-up" by the organizers of the Olympic Trials.Berry, a long-standing advocate for athletes using their platforms to speak up, had just won bronze in the hammer throw. She took her place on stage when the anthem was played. Berry threw her flag aside and wore a shirt that read "Activist Athlete" over her head.From all corners of the political and sports worlds, condemnation followed immediately.Berry claimed that she didn't recognize the song due to its depiction of Black Americans.Berry said that if you knew your history, then you would know the entire song of the national anthem. "The third verse is about slaves and how our blood was slang and pilchered across the floor. It is disrespectful and does not address Black Americans.Berry believed that she was being set up for this moment, and she said that she was told that the anthem would be played either before or after the award ceremony.Susan Hazzard, a spokesperson for USTAF, explained to Tom Schad of USA Today that the anthem was originally scheduled to be played at 5:20 p.m. local.Hazzard stated in an email to Schad that "we didn't wait for the athletes to be on the podium for hammer throw awards. The national anthem was played every day according a previously published schedule," Hazzard added. "We are thrilled that the women's hammer throw team selected themselves to the Games.Texas congressman Dan Crenshaw demanded Berry be removed from the Olympic team following her performance, telling Fox News' Fox and Friends that "We don’t need any more activist athlete.""It's one when the NBA does it. Crenshaw stated, "OK, we'll just quit watching." "But now, the Olympic team?" It's many cases like this. They should be eliminated. This should be your minimum requirement. It is essential that you believe in the country and people you represent.Berry rebutted that line of thinking during her interview with BNC. She explained how she is able to support her country while also demanding more.Berry stated, "I never said I didn't want the Olympic Games." Berry said, "I never said I hate the country. I only said that I respected my people enough not to acknowledge anything that discredits them. "I love my people, point blank."The 32-year old St. Louis native represented the United States at the Rio 2016 Olympics. The U.S. Olympic Committee and Paralympic Committee reprimanded her for raising her fist in protest at the Star-Spangled Banner being played during the 2019 Pan American Games.Berry could be reprimanded by the International Olympic Committee for continuing to demonstrate at the Tokyo Olympics, even though the USOPC has modified its rules regarding athlete protest. Berry has already stated that she will continue spreading awareness about racial injustice while in Japan.Berry stated, "Sports are entertainment." Berry said, "But my purpose, my voice, and my mission are bigger than the sport."
