Gwen Berry turns her back on racism.  (Image Credit: Patrick Smith/Getty)

Eugene, June 29 (RHC)-- U.S. Olympic hammer thrower Gwen Berry is facing backlash after turning her back to the U.S. flag while the national anthem played during a medal ceremony at the U.S. Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon. 

Toward the end of the anthem, Berry turned away from the flag and placed a black T-shirt with the words “Activist Athlete” on her head.  Following the nonviolent protest, Berry said: “My purpose and my mission is bigger than sports.  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.” 

Gwen Berry is a longtime activist, who famously raised her fist during the Star-Spangled Banner after winning gold at the 2019 Pan American Games.