John Carlos
John Carlos is a former Olympic track and field medalist. On July 16, 2008, Carlos and his former San Jose State teammate, Tommie Smith, were presented with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2008 ESPY Awards.
At the 1968 Olympic games in Mexico City, Mexico, Carlos and Smith raised their fists in racial protest during the medal ceremony.1
Fast Facts
- Full name: John Wesley Carlos
- Born: June 5, 1945
- Birthplace: Harlem, New York
- College: San Jose State University
- Bronze medalist in the 200-meter race at the 1968 Olympics
- 1969: Equaled the world record in the 100-yard run with a time of 9.10 seconds2
The Silent Gesture
After winning the bronze medal in the 200-meter race at the 1968 Olympic games in Mexico City, Mexico, Carlos and gold medalist Tommie Smith raised their black-gloved fists in a show of solidarity against racism. The gesture, made during the playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner," prompted the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to suspend them from the U.S. team and ban them from the Olympic Village.3
Categories
