1968 Olympic 200m: A Historic Race and a Powerful Protest

Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medalists

The 1968 Olympic 200m men's event was held at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Mexico City, Mexico, on October 16, 1968. The competition featured 49 athletes from around the world.

The gold medal was won by Tommie Smith of the United States, who finished in a time of 19.83 seconds. The silver medal went to Peter Norman of Australia, who finished in 20.06 seconds. The bronze medal was won by John Carlos of the United States, who finished in 20.10 seconds.

The Black Power Salute

The 200m final is best remembered for the "Black Power salute" performed by Smith and Carlos on the medal stand. As the American national anthem played, Smith and Carlos raised their black-gloved fists in the air, a symbol of solidarity with the civil rights movement in the United States.

The Black Power salute was a controversial act at the time, but it has since become an iconic symbol of the fight for racial equality. Smith and Carlos were initially suspended from the Olympic team for their protest, but they were later reinstated.

Legacy of the 1968 Olympic 200m

The 1968 Olympic 200m was a historic race that had a profound impact on the world. The race demonstrated the power of sport to inspire and unite people, and it also helped to raise awareness of the fight for racial equality.

The Black Power salute remains a symbol of courage and defiance, and it continues to inspire people around the world in the fight for justice and equality.