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.

The Story of the Mexico Olympics

The Mexico Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XIX Olympiad, were held in Mexico City from October 12 to October 27, 1968. This was the first time that the Olympic Games were held in Latin America, making it a significant event in the history of Mexico.

Political Context
- Mexico was chosen as the host for the 1968 Olympics in 1963, during a time of significant political and social changes in the country.
- The Mexican government saw hosting the Olympics as an opportunity to showcase Mexico's progress and modernity to the world.

Social Unrest
- The Olympics took place against the backdrop of widespread social unrest in Mexico.
- In the months leading up to the Games, student protests and demonstrations demanding political and social reforms were taking place in Mexico City.
- The government's response to these protests was brutal, culminating in the Tlatelolco Massacre on October 2, 1968, just days before the opening ceremony of the Olympics.

Key Features of the Mexico Olympics
- The Mexico Olympics had several notable features that set it apart from previous Games.
- The high altitude of Mexico City, approximately 2,300 meters above sea level, posed a challenge for athletes and resulted in numerous records being broken.
- It was the first time that doping controls were introduced in the Olympics, with athletes being subjected to drug tests.
- The Olympics also saw the debut of several sports, including women's gymnastics and men's and women's Fencing Team events.

Achievements and Controversies
- The Mexico Olympics witnessed several remarkable achievements and controversies.
- American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos famously raised their fists in a Black Power salute during the medal ceremony for the 200-meter race, symbolizing their protest against racial discrimination.
- Bob Beamon, an American long jumper, set a world record with a jump of 8.90 meters, which stood for nearly 23 years.
- Mexican diver, Ingrid Engen, became the first woman to win two gold medals in diving at a single Olympics.

Legacy
- The Mexico Olympics left a lasting impact on the country.
- The Games helped to modernize Mexico City's infrastructure, with the construction of new sports facilities and transportation systems.
- The political unrest and repression surrounding the Olympics led to increased awareness of human rights issues in Mexico and sparked international discussions on the relationship between sports and politics.
- The Mexico Olympics also inspired future generations of Mexican athletes, who continued to achieve success in various Olympic events.

Overall, the Mexico Olympics of 1968 are remembered not only for their sporting achievements but also for the political and social context in which they took place. The Games represented a turning point in Mexico's history, highlighting both the progress and challenges faced by the country at that time.