Question

Write a short note on story of the Mexico Olympics.

Answer 1

during the medal ceremony of the 200m race in Mexico Olympics 1968 Tommie smith and john carlos who were afro- Americans ( americans of African descent) won the gold and bronze medal respectively .both of them received the medal wearing black socks and no shoes to show black poverty.with this gesture they tried to draw international attention for racism practiced in USA. the black gloved, raised and clenched fists were meant to depict black power.to support them the silver medalist peter norman, an Australian wore a human rights badge. the international Olympic association(IOA)held both of them guilty because of undermining the Olympic spirit by giving this political statement. their medals were taken back. they were also subjected to a lot of criticism back home. peter norman was not included in the next Olympic team and had to suffer for his actions ..but their action got international attention.when norman died in 2006 smith and carlos were pallbearers at his funeral.