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"So when Olympic athletes enter the political arena, they should expect some pushback."
AI Overview
Following their 1968 Olympic Black Power salute, Tommie Smith and John Carlos faced immediate, severe consequences: they were suspended from the U.S. team, expelled from the Olympic Village, and faced intense media backlash, ostracization, and death threats. While not stripped of medals, their careers were severely impacted, with lasting professional and personal hardships. USOPC +4
Immediate Consequences (1968)
Suspension and Expulsion: IOC President Avery Brundage ordered their removal from the Olympic Village and suspension from the U.S. team after threatening to ban the entire U.S. track team.
Vilification: They were heavily criticized by the American press, with some calling the gesture a "nazi-like" or "anti-American" stunt.
Safety Threats: Both athletes received multiple death threats upon returning to the United States. USOPC +4
Long-Term Consequences
Career Hardship: They struggled to find work, with Carlos alleging that officials actively tried to keep him unemployed.
Ostracization: They were shunned by the mainstream sporting establishment for years.
Later Recognition: Over time, their action was re-evaluated as a courageous stand for civil rights. In 2016, they were invited to the White House by the USOC and have been recognized by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. USOPC +2
Supporting Athlete Consequences
Peter Norman: The Australian silver medalist who wore an Olympic Project for Human Rights badge in solidarity was also ostracized by his own country's sporting establishment, despite qualifying multiple times.
