25 EMBARRSSING AND BIGGEST MISTAKES Sports #65
One of the most embarrassing and biggest mistakes in sports history occurred during the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. American sprinter Tommie Smith, who had just won the gold medal in the 200-meter race, raised his black-gloved fists in the air while standing on the podium during the national anthem. This iconic image, now known as the "Black Power Salute," was a powerful statement against social and political injustice, but it also sparked controversy and backlash. Smith and his teammate John Carlos, who also raised his fist, were suspended from the US Olympic team and received death threats. Their actions were seen as a political protest rather than a sporting achievement, and they were ostracized from the athletic community for years. Despite the controversy, Smith's and Carlos's actions continue to be celebrated as a symbol of social justice and resistance.
