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• Tommie Smith is a former Olympic track and field gold medalist. On July 16, 2008, Smith and his former San Jose State teammate, John Carlos, were given the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2008 ESPY Awards. After winning medals at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City, Mexico, Smith and Carlos raised their fists in racial protest on the victory podium during the playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner."Seattlepi.com: Olympics Flashback: 1968: Power & glory (July 17, 2008)

• Fast Facts

  1. Born: June 6, 1944
  2. Birthplace: Clarksville, Texas
  3. Parents: Richard and Dora Smith
  4. Smith has 11 siblings
  5. College: San Jose State University
  6. Smith tied or broke 13 world records in track while in collegeOfficial Site: Tommie Smith Bio
  7. Only track and field athlete to hold 11 world records simultaneouslyOfficial Site: Tommie Smith

• The Silent Gesture

  On October 16, 1968, Tommie Smith took the gold medal in the 200-meter race at the Olympic games in Mexico City, Mexico. His U.S. teammate, John Carlos, won the bronze medal. As the American flag was raised during the medal ceremony, Smith and Carlos raised their black-gloved fists and bowed their heads as a sign of racial protest and solidarity. Smith and Carlos were suspended from the U.S. team and banned from the Olympic Village.ESPN.com: Salute at ESPYs: Smith and Carlos to receive Arthur Ashe... (May 29, 2008)

  Smith chronicles the event in his 2007 book, The Autobiography of Tommie Smith. The event is also chronicled in the 1999 HBO documentary, Fists of Freedom.Official Site: Tommie Smith Bio

• Related Mahalo Pages

  John Carlos | ESPY Winners | Olympics | ESPY Awards | USA Indoor Track and Field Championships

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