Olympian Gwen Berry, who considers herself an “activist athlete,’ qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. See photos of the hammer throwing superstar.
1 of 5Gwen Berry
Gwen Berry is quickly becoming a household name in the world of Olympics. The 31-year-old track and field superstar recently qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, after representing the U.S at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. Gwen specializes in the hammer throw and holds several personal records, including the world record in the weight throw.
Outside of sport, Gwen has focused on her acitivism for racial justice. She’s protested injustices on numerous occassions, including when she raised her fist during ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ at the 2019 Pan American Games. Most recently, she snubbed the national anthem at the Olympic Trials on June 26, 2021. And despite any consequences she faces, Gwen continues to speak out and make a difference in the world.
Here, Gwen competes in the women’s hammer throw final during the IAAF World Athletics Championships at the Khalifa Stadium in Doha, Qatar on Sept. 28, 2019.
To see more photos of Gwen in her athletic career, click through the gallery
Gwen Berry at the 2019 World Athletics Championships
Gwen Berry represents the United States in the women’s hammer throw final at the World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar on Sept. 28, 2019. Gwen placed 10th in the competition and had a throw of 71.72 meters.
Gwen Berry at the 2019 Pan American Games
Gwen Berry waves as she is introduced at the start of the women’s hammer throw final during the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru on Aug. 10, 2019. Gwen won the gold medal at the event and decided to protest ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ on the podium, for which she received severe consequences.
Gwen Berry competing in Doha, Qatar
Gwen Berry looks focused as she competes in the women’s hammer throw final at the World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar on Sept. 28, 2019. Gwen has specialized in the hammer throw nearly her entire track and field career.
Gwen Berry at the US Olympic Track and Field Trials
Gwen Berry competes during the women’s hammer final at the US Olympic Track and Field Trials at Hayward Field in Eugen, Oregon on July 6, 2016. Gwen’s performance turned out to be a success, as she qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics.
