No Black Power Fists At 2008 Olympics

Tommie Smith, the Olympic gold medalist who, along with fellow Olympian John Carlos, staged the Olympics' most infamous political protest, the iconic image of which can be seen plastered on dorm room walls from coast to coast, has changed his tune about mixing politics and the Olympic Games. International disapproval of the Chinese government has led to numerous protests and threats of protests over the upcoming games in Beijing, but the former track and field medalist says athletes should focus on their events.

"If I was going to China, I would only think of winning," said 64-year-old Smith during a press conference "There can be personal initiatives but I think athletes should concentrate on their events and leave politics alone.

"Times have changed," he continued. "We live in a different world now where the atmosphere is different and there is more attention on human and civil rights.

As for the situation in Tibet, he says, the fair play and team work inherent in sports can serve as a lesson to the Chinese. The passage of time dulls revolutionary spirits. [AFP]

Jul 3, 2008 · posted by Lauren Williams, Stereohyped · Link · 3 Responses

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Tagged: Black Power, China, Olympics, Sports, Tommie Smith

Comments (3)

No. 1 · Chic Noir

The passage of time dulls revolutionary spirits

It's true but comes across as a bit snappy

Both Smith & Carlos went through hell as a result of their actions. I saw a documentary about the two, and their lives were very difficult after returning from the Olympics. The wife of one of the two, committed suicide because of all of the negativity. .

Posted: Jul 3, 2008 at 11:08 am

No. 2 · Africa4ever

While I respect Tommie Smith and all that he stood for, I do not agree with his statement. The government of China should be shamed, yet despite their horrible human rights record they continue to be rewarded by the international community by being allowed to host the Olympic games.

Posted: Jul 3, 2008 at 2:18 pm

No. 3 · msim

The quote from Chic Noir is heart-breaking.
But T. Smith is part of the single most beautiful pic ever taken at the Olympics and his rebellion lives on; even though he no longer feels it.

China's Olympics…I feel it is like South Africa hosting the World Cup in 2010.
S.A.: The world capital of rape and burglary, countless gays/lesbians murdered, African refugees murdered, an HIV-denying president and supporter of Mugabe…

Money makes it all acceptable for some.

Posted: Jul 3, 2008 at 2:56 pm

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