olympic games, 1968 (mexico city, mexico)

"A groundbreaking and timely graphic memoir from one of the most iconic figures in American sports--and a tribute to his fight for civil rights. On October 16, 1968, during the medal ceremony at the Mexico City Olympics, Tommie Smith, the gold medal winner in the 200-meter sprint, and John Carlos, the bronze medal winner, stood on the podium in black socks and raised their black-gloved fists to protest racial injustice inflicted upon African Americans. Both men were forced to leave the Olympics, received death threats, and faced ostracism and continuing economic hardships. In his first-ever memoir for young readers, Tommie Smith looks back on his childhood growing up in rural Texas through to his stellar athletic career, culminating in his historic victory and Olympic podium protest"-- Provided by publisher.

Examines the protest made at the 1968 Summer Olympics by two African American runners, the support of the Australian medalist who also shared the podium, and the consequences all three men faced for their activism.