Race Imboden (L) and his U.S. teammates. Credit: TeamUSA/Twitter

Race Imboden (L) and his U.S. teammates. Credit: TeamUSA/Twitter

Over the weekend, fencer Race Imboden was part of a team that won gold and bronze at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru.

As you’ve probably seen as you scrolled through social media, Imboden, a 26-year-old whose name is inspired by a character in Jonny Quest, took a knee on the podium “to call attention to issues that I believe need to be addressed.”

Oh, and according to the Washington Post, Imboden was also born in Tampa before moving to Atlanta and New York in the years after.

“This week I am honored to represent Team USA at the Pan-Am Games, taking home gold and bronze,” Imboden — who also interned at the Fool’s Gold record label where he learned to love J Dilla and Souls of Mischief — said on Twitter.

“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.”

His protest undoubtedly rankled supposed patriots whose entire existence hinges on whether athletes stand for the “Star-Spangled Banner,” but it may land Imboden in trouble with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, too. In a statement to Reuters, a USOPC spokesman said that athletes at the 2019 Pan-Am games commit to refraining from “demonstrations that are political in nature.”

“In this case, Race didn’t adhere to the commitment he made to the organizing committee and the USOPC,” Mark Jones said. “We respect his rights to express his viewpoints, but we are disappointed that he chose not to honor his commitment. Our leadership are reviewing what consequences may result.”

Imboden, for his part, doesn’t seem to regret it.

“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,” he said.  “I encourage others to please use your platforms for empowerment and change.”

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This article appears in Aug 8-15, 2019.

Read his 2016 intro letter and disclosures from 2022 and 2021. Ray Roa started freelancing for Creative Loafing Tampa in January 2011 and was hired as music editor in August 2016. He became Editor-In-Chief...