Share this page
Today in History: Tommie Smith's Black Power salute rocks the 1968 Olympics
October 18, 1968: And now, 42 years after it happened, Smith's medal and trainers are up for sale
Controversy from the incident resulted in the suspension of two athletes by the Olympic Committee, yet today it remains a key and symbolic moment for the Black Power Movement.
It happened today in history, October 18, 1968, while Tommie Smith and his teammate John Carlos stood on the winners' podium at the Mexico City Olympics to celebrate Smith's Gold 200 metres medal.
Before the world's press, Smith and Carlos struck a pose whose impact was immediately felt in the United States: the fist-aloft Black Power salute.
 Tommie Smith on the podium at |
Today, Smith's salute remains one of the most overtly political statements in the 110 year history of the modern Olympic Games.
Yet this significance contrasts sharply with the understated way that which his medal and trainers worn that day have come to auction, 42 years later.
According to reports, Smith has declined to be involved in the sale of his consigned memorabilia, or give interviews. The auction will be held by MIT Memorabilia on November 4.
"Of course the medal is important to him, but the memory of winning the race is far more important," the auction house's Gary Zimet told the Mercury News.
"He is doing it for the money, but not because he is desperate. If someone is willing to pay his price [then he'll sell it]."
The lot is estimated at $250,000. Smith's single black glove from his famous salute after the victory would also have been auctioned, said MIT, but the star doesn't know where it is.
Watch this space for upcoming news on the sale.
- Click here for all the latest Memorabilia collectibles news
Recent and related articles...
· George Best's personal medals could score £270,000 at UK auction | 25 September 2010
The legacy of one of football's greatest ever players will live on at Bonhams' sale, next month
· Move over Usain Bolt... Here are our Top Five fastest collectibles | 9 August 2010
To mark US runner Tyson Gay's defeat of Bolt in Stockholm, here are five of the speediest collectibles
· Discover why collectors are taking a chance on Lance and Tour De France memorabilia | 8 July 2010
Cycling collectibles from Lance Armstrong to Andy Schleck lead the way in memorabilia investing
· Football's coming home... For Memorabilia Collectors | 2 July 2010
The FIFA World Cup offers a unique variety of rare collectibles for fans and investors alike
· The Story of... Maradona's 'Hand of God' in the 1986 World Cup | 23 June 2010
Maradona's cheating still divides opinion - but his shirt from the game is today valued at £200,000
www.paulfrasercollectibles.com
