When Gwen Berry stood on the podium to be recognized for her third-place finish in the hammer throw at the U.S. track and field Olympic Trials on June 26, she said she was shocked to hear The Star-Spangled Banner played.
In response to the national anthem, Berry turned away from the American flag and placed her t-shirt, which read "Activist Athlete", over her head. She later said she felt "set up," because the athletes had previously been told that the anthem would be played either before or after their medal ceremony.
The peaceful protest drew backlash from conservatives like Rep.