Two runners, once united by Olympic gesture, now divided

[GTF]

United they stood, two men with black-gloved fists thrust into the night.

In solidarity, they bowed their heads as the national anthem played.

Together, in harmonious synchronicity, they defied history.

On Oct. 16, 1968, Tommie Smith and John Carlos finished first and third, respectively, in the 200-meter Olympic finals. Smith set a world record in 19.83 seconds, powering through the thin air of Mexico City and across the finish line, his arms upraised.

But it was their demonstration on the victory podium afterward, medals dangling around their necks, that resonates today. Their purpose was to draw attention to the plight of blacks at the height of the civil-rights movement. As Smith told ABC-TV announcer Howard Cosell in Mexico City, "My raised right hand stood for the power in black America. Carlos' raised left hand stood for the unity of black America. Together they formed an arch of unity and power."

The photograph of that moment forever couples the two men. About 40 years later, however, Smith prefers to stand separate from Carlos, and vice versa. Each has written an account of the podium moment that contradicts the other's. Each has disparaged the other's accomplishments, exchanging barbs that belie the dignified eloquence of their silent salute.

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[Ryan]

If you have trouble with the link, try this one. Interesting article, very much worth the read.