Tommie C. Smith (born June 6, 1944)[2] is an American former track & field athlete and wide receiver in the American Football League. At the 1968 Summer Olympics, Smith, aged 24, won the 200-meter sprintfinals and gold medal in 19.83 seconds – the first time the 20-second barrier was broken legally. His Black Power salute with John Carlos atop the medal podium to protest the harsh and sometimes deadly DISCRIMINATION against African-Americans because of their SKIN color in the United States 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

John Carlos and Tommie Smith (center) at the 200 m award ceremony of the 1968 Olympics, wearing black gloves, black socks and no shoes

Personal informationBornJune 6, 1944 (age 74)
Clarksville, Texas, United StatesHeight6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)Weight185 lb (84 kg)SportSportSprint runningClubSanta Clara Valley Youth VillageAchievements and titlesPersonal best(s)100 y – 9.3 (1967)
100 – 10.1 (1966)
200 – 19.83 (1968)
220y – 19.5s (1966)
400 – 44.5 (1967)[1]

Medal record

Representing the  United StatesOlympic Games1968 MEXICO City200 mUniversiade1967 Tokyo200 m1967 Tokyo100 m

Tommie SmithNo. 24Position:Wide receiverPersonal informationHeight:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)Weight:190 lb (86 kg)Career informationHigh school:Lemoore (CA)College:San Jose StateNFL Draft:1967 / Round: 9 / PICK: 226Career historyCincinnati Bengals (1969)Career NFL statisticsPlayer stats at NFL.comPlayer stats at PFR