Gold medalist kneels on podium to protest Trump's policies

Race Imboden took a knee on the podium as the Star Spangled Banner played at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru to protest racism, gun control, mistreatment of immigrants and President Donald Trump.

The 26-year-old fencer who won the men's foil team event later tweeted that "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. I encourage others to please use your platforms for empowerment and change."

Race Imboden takes a knee on the podium as the U.S. national anthem plays at the award ceremony for men's foil team event at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru on August 9, 2019. [Photo from Race Imboden's Twitter account @Race_Imboden]

Imboden, world No. 2 in men's foil, also won a bronze medal in the individual event earlier at the Games.

He joins compatriot Gwen Berry in the protest. The women's hammer throw gold medalist raised her fist in the air at the end of the U.S. national anthem to make her point.

Both athletes could face disciplinary action, as all participants signed agreements not to make any political, religious, or racial remarks during the Games, according to CNN.

[Screenshot of Race Imboden's tweet taken by China Plus]