Do Youth Athletes Know Their Track History? 1968
April 10, 2008
Before you go out and buy the shoes below because your youth athlete “has” to have them after he or she runs. Tell them the history behind these shoes and why they are unique. A tribute well worth learning about.
Watch it with your youth athletes and remind them it’s not just Running….It’s a Proud Legacy Of Greatness
Tribute to Juan Carlos and Tommie Smith
( starts at 4:21)
Thanks to Jay Hicks at http://preracejitters.com/ for sharing this article with TrackMom
It’s about time that John Carlos and Tommie Smith finally got some love. Puma is paying a small tribute to the two former track stars with “Tommie Smith” Suede Pack.
During the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City when newly crowned 200-meter champion and record holder Tommie Smith raised his fist on the podium, along with bronze medal winner John Carlos, the controversy jumped off.
The barefoot athletes’ salute was meant to represent the civil rights movement and the struggle of African Americans. Tommie Smith and John Carlos were kicked out of the Olympic village, suspended from the U.S. Olympic team, and summarily sent home from the games.
To commemorate these brave men, a two sneaker collectionof Suedes will release later this month with a repeating fist monogram along the upper and include golden accents. Look for the shoes to be available for purchase in August 2008.
By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evangelist
Related posts:
- Fun Friday…More Tommie Smith Shoes
- Track Gear From The Pro’s, Jeremy Wariner,Sanya Richards,Lauryn Williams And More
- Adidas Jesse Owens Commemorative Sneakers
- A Great Weekend Of Track And Field
- USATF Has An New CEO Doug Logan
Awesome just awesome! I wish everyone knew more about the history of significant events and stands taken in sports! I remember this personally as an aspiring runner. I did NOT understand the significance unitl years later however.
Coach Dean
Track especially has a rich tradition of having an active role in helping to shape the country that we all know and love today. At first when writing the article I wondered out loud why it took 40 years for then a German based company to recognize Tommy and John. However then I realized we are having this conversation with our friends, family, and children today–so it’s just in time.
Thanks!
Jay Hicks a.k.a. Track Evangelist
Thanks for allowing me to share your great article.
Have a good weekend,I am off to the Arcadia Invitational Meet in a few hours : )
Lorraine
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