Final Letter Project: Thee Olympians

Link to video project
Thee Olympians

    My letter is about the famous African American olympic track athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos with the controversy in regards to the medal ceremony in the Olympic Stadium in Mexico City on October 16, 1968 where they peacefully protested with their fists in the air in solidarity about equality and poverty on the podium to display their statement to the world.  They represented the United States, broke records, and achieved greatness.  Yet they were kicked out of the USA team and continued to receive harsh treatment when they did nothing wrong.


    Especially during this time, we often hear about Colin Kaepernick taking a knee and all the movements towards equality happening all over the world.  Now more than ever, these brave men endured a lot plus deserve more than just the praise and recognition they continue to get.  They have opened the path for many young athletes to work hard and reach their dreams in as professional athletes or pursuing that olympic glory.  I know others are looking for answers if this is true and I believe this is important as these two men are the living, breathing, heroes.  They have gotten awards and been inducted to the Olympic Hall of Fame, but would like to know more about why they could not return to the olympics when they did nothing wrong or how come pictures of them with their medals did not surface after the games.

Heres the link to the un edited version:

Link to petition:

Comments

  1. KdubhistoryblogJuly 15, 2020 at 1:34 PM

    Oliver,

    Really awesome video! Such a cool topic. I wish I was as tech savvy as you, and could make all these cool videos, as well as all your pics on your blogs. Super insightful and well thought out! Best of luck with your school journey! Stay safe!


    Best,
    Kelsey

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sarita Mazer LopezJuly 15, 2020 at 10:57 PM

    Hi Oliver,

    I really liked the topic you chose and how you presented. You are making a difference by caring about others and speaking up for equality. I am with you on this.

    Wishing you all the best.

    -Sarita

    ReplyDelete
  3. LeslieJuly 18, 2020 at 12:18 PM

    Oliver,

    I love this topic. I feel like it is relevant to everything that is happening today. Colin Kaepernick losing his opportunity to have a productive NFL career for a peaceful protest shows that unfortunately, not much has changed for people of color in our country, or their advocates who stand beside them. If you get a resolution to this, please please please update your blog! On a different but similar note, have you seen Athlete A? It's documentary on Netflix that follows the sexual assault case against the USA Gymnastics doctor. It talks about a teenager who filed a complaint against him and was not selected to represent the United States at the Olympics in Brazil despite her deserving scores.

    These cases highlight what I think is a problem of guilt in this country. Even people who do not support racism and sexism, and general oppression in our country often don't speak up. I believe that it is fear of having to face this incredible guilt for what has happened, even before a time of what they themselves allowed.

    Thank. you for being in this class, it was so much fun, and I learned a lot from you. Goo luck this year, and see you at graduation (hopefully we can all walk because this pandemic is under control).

    Cheers,

    Leslie

    ReplyDelete
  4. Tony OropezaJuly 19, 2020 at 7:58 AM

    Hey Oliver,

    Thank you for your letter and video! I totally agree. These athletes did nothing wrong and it truly is absurd that their medals were stripped in the first place. It is also a travesty that no one has stepped up to do the right thing and award them what they deserve. Good luck on the journey to graduation and hopefully get to see you there!

    Tony

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oliver Q.July 19, 2020 at 7:38 PM

    Hello everyone,

    So an update to my letter/project. There has been controversy to that their medals were not stripped away but were kicked off the USA team. I have checked various sources and found nothing specifically pertaining to their medals being taken besides that the Olympics wanted to but the men did not let them, yet were never pictured with their medals after besides when they were on the podium during the ceremony so maybe the new question is asking what the Olympic Committee asked of them or communicated in a way that they were not stripped like other athletes who had their medals taken away because of drug enhancements. As for Tommie and John, they did nothing wrong and broke records in the process. Yes John and Tommie had a lot of backlash after that they didn't deserve as they protested in a peaceful way. Also in regards to Peter Norman who was the Australian Sprinter who took 2nd place in the Olympics should also be regarded as a notable figure who took a stand for Human Rights too but also chose to stand in solidarity with John Carlos and Tommie Smith which means a lot as others would have not done the same during that time. When he passed a way, they even spoke and went to Peter's funeral as they stayed in contact throughout the years. For the letter written to SJSU, I would still like to know more details and information on the medals as no pictures have surfaced even til this day. Maybe more specifically I'd like to understand the agreements made because they could have continued to compete in the Olympics but were banned from competition. Another question to be raised is why did it take 50 years for them to be recognized finally by the Olympic committee when they could have continued to participate in the games back then as they were at their prime. There may be more to research and discover, but one thing remains that these Olympians are probably thee most famous ones in history as they have not only competed against the best athletes in the world but fought for human rights all over the world. Hope this gets to you all that were interested and commented on this! Thanks ya'll...

    "The Olympics are supposed to be devoid of politics, the quest to go faster, higher and stronger transcending our divisions. But athletes are human before all else. You cannot celebrate the individual spirit while at the same time demanding it be ignored." - John Carlos

    https://www.history.com/news/1968-mexico-city-olympics-black-power-protest-backlash
    https://www.smithsonianmag.com/articles/olympic-athletes-who-took-a-stand-593920/
    https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/columnist/nancy-armour/2019/09/23/olympics-tommie-smith-john-carlos-get-recognition-they-deserve/2423576001/
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cU_0IUnIvc4
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTmPQTXsroI&list=PLbHlylngZ4XofPImVbV_Jh5-vYdYEB7N4&index=22

    ReplyDelete

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