Tokyo bound hammer thrower Gwen Berry is winding up more than her shot put as she has been put on the defense after she didn’t recognize the National Anthem and American Flag during the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials this past Saturday, June 26 in Eugene, Oregon.
The bronze winner first told CNN that she felt “set up.”
“I feel like it was a set up. I feel like they did that on purpose, and I was pissed, to be honest. I was thinking about what should I do,” Berry explained. “Eventually, I just stayed there and just swayed. I put my shirt over my head. It was real disrespectful. I know they did that on purpose, but it’ll be alright. I see what’s up.”
In a later interview, when asked why the National Anthem makes Berry uncomfortable she stated “History.” She continued, “if you know your history, you know the full song of the National Anthem. The third paragraph speaks to slaves in America, our blood being slain and (sic) all over the floor. It is disrespectful and it does not speak for Black Americans. It’s obvious. Its no question.”
Berry’s feelings may have validity. Unlike the Olympics, who plays the anthem during medal ceremonies, the U.S. Olympics plays the anthem just once a day. On this day, the hammer throwers were scheduled to receive their reward just before the start of the evening session.
It was Berry’s impression that the three winners were going to be introduced to the crowd before or after the anthem was played. However, she was directed to stand on the podium and then the music played.
USA Track and Field spokeswoman Susan Hazzard said “the national anthem was scheduled to play at 5:20 p.m. today. We didn’t wait until the athletes were on the podium for the hammer throw awards. The national anthem is played every day according to a previously published schedule.” On Saturday, the music started at 5:25.
