Tommie C. Smith is an American former track and field athlete and wide receiver in the American Football League. At the 1968 Summer Olympics, Smith, aged 24, won the 200-meter sprint finals and gold medal in 19.83 seconds – the first time the 20-second barrier was broken officially. His Black Power salute with John Carlos atop the medal podium caused controversy, as it was seen as politicizing the Olympic Games. It remains a symbolic moment in the history of the Black Power movement.
Tommie Smith
Athlete
Notable For
American track and field athlete
Tommie Smith's Historical Timeline
Tommie Smith is born
Tommie Smith athlete, known for american track and field athlete, was born on 1945-06-06. Tommie C.
Americans Tommie Smith (gold, 19.83, WR) and John Carlos (bronze) famously give the Black Power salute on the 200 m meda
Americans Tommie Smith (gold, 19.83, WR) and John Carlos (bronze) famously give the Black Power salute on the 200 m medal podium during the Mexico City Olympics to protest racism and injustice against African Americans
US Olympic Committee suspends Tommie Smith and John Carlos for giving the Black Power salute to protest racism and injus
US Olympic Committee suspends Tommie Smith and John Carlos for giving the Black Power salute to protest racism and injustice against African-Americans during Olympic medal ceremony
Associated Historical Events
birth
Tommie Smith is born
Tommie Smith athlete, known for american track and field athlete, was born on 1945-06-06. Tommie C.
Americans Tommie Smith (gold, 19.83, WR) and John Carlos (bronze) famously give the Black Power salute on the 200 m meda
Americans Tommie Smith (gold, 19.83, WR) and John Carlos (bronze) famously give the Black Power salute on the 200 m medal podium during the Mexico City Olympics to protest racism and injustice against African Americans
US Olympic Committee suspends Tommie Smith and John Carlos for giving the Black Power salute to protest racism and injus
US Olympic Committee suspends Tommie Smith and John Carlos for giving the Black Power salute to protest racism and injustice against African-Americans during Olympic medal ceremony
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was Tommie Smith born?
- Tommie Smith was born on 1945-06-06.
- What is Tommie Smith known for?
- American track and field athlete
- What historical events involved Tommie Smith?
- Tommie Smith was involved in 3 recorded historical events, including Tommie Smith is born, Americans Tommie Smith (gold, 19.83, WR) and John Carlos (bronze) famously give the Black Power salute on the 200 m meda, US Olympic Committee suspends Tommie Smith and John Carlos for giving the Black Power salute to protest racism and injus.