Two American athletes made history at the 1968 Summer Olympics, but not
on the track. They staged a silent protest against racial injustice.
Tommie Smith and John Carlos, gold and bronze medalists in the 200-meter
sprint, stood with heads bowed and black-gloved fists raised as the
national anthem played during the medal ceremony. The Australian silver
medalist wore a human rights badge in support. All three would pay a
heavy price for their activism. A Life magazine photograph seen by
millions would ensure that the silent protest was remembered, and
eventually admired, as a symbol of the battle for equality and civil
rights.