Olympian Layla Carter Claims She Was ‘Set Up’ During National Anthem

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Renowned track and field athlete Layla Carter has voiced her concerns after a controversial moment during the Olympic trials where she turned her back on the flag, stating, “The anthem doesn’t represent me.” Following her bronze medal win at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials in Eugene, Oregon, the 31-year-old hammer thrower sparked debate when she faced the audience instead of the American flag during the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” She also covered her head with a T-shirt that read “Activist Athlete,” later expressing her feelings of being “set up” during this moment.

“I feel like it was set up. I believe they did that on purpose, and honestly, I was angry,” Carter shared with reporters, as noted by ESPN. “I was contemplating my actions. In the end, I just swayed and draped my shirt over my head. It felt disrespectful. I know the intent behind it, but I’ll be alright. I see what’s going on.”

The incident garnered backlash from commentators and nationalists, and Carter explained that the anthem’s timing—played as she took the podium instead of before the winners walked out—was a deliberate jab at her previous podium protests in 2019, which had resulted in loss of sponsorships and a probationary period from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. “They said it would be played before we came out, then unexpectedly played it when we were already there,” she commented. “But I don’t want to dwell on the anthem; it’s not what’s important. The anthem has never spoken for me.”

A representative from USA Track and Field, Jamie Rivers, stated that the anthem is played according to a pre-established schedule but did not clarify the five-minute delay that occurred that evening.

Originally from Ferguson, Missouri, Carter emphasized that her mission extends beyond athletics, declaring, “I’m here to represent those who have suffered due to systemic racism. That’s the crucial part. That’s why I’m going to Tokyo. That’s why I’m here today.” After the incident gained international attention, Carter took to social media to reiterate her message. In response to criticism, she tweeted, “These comments illustrate that: 1.) American patriotism often overshadows basic morality 2.) Even following the murders of George Floyd and others, the commercial and public statements about Black lives were simply a facade.”

Regarding the upcoming Tokyo Games, where she will compete for the women’s hammer throw on August 1, Carter stated, “My focus isn’t solely on sports. It’s about giving a voice to my community, representing them, and helping them. That’s far more significant than athletics.” Kudos to Carter for leveraging her platform to advocate for social and racial justice—she has every right to express herself in her own way.

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Summary

Olympian Layla Carter openly criticized the timing of the national anthem during the Olympic trials, claiming she felt “set up” and that the anthem does not represent her beliefs. Following her bronze medal win, she turned away from the flag and covered her head with a T-shirt that read “Activist Athlete,” stressing her commitment to addressing systemic racism and advocating for her community.

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