Return to Mexico City

 

PLEASE WATCH ON SUNDAY 4PM EASTERN AND 1PM PACIFIC ON ESPN 1 FEB. 15TH

ADDITIONAL DATES:
ESPN 2
FEB. 16, 10:30 PM
FEB. 24, 1 AM

ESPN CLASSIC
2/21 AT 12 PM
2/21 AT 8 PM

View the video clip

---

SJSU Honors 1968 Olympics Activists With Sculpture

After thirty-seven years, San Jose State student activists and 1968 Olympic Medal Winners, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, are honored with a statue commemorating their world famous salute.

Recipients, audience pleased with statue unveiling

By Cheeto Barrera
Spartan Daily Staff Writer
October 17, 2005

Loud cheers and applause from an audience of hundreds erupted when the black parachute covering statues of Tommie Smith and John Carlos was lifted.
As the sky darkened, a cherry picker with two men lifted the covering, but it was snagged twice, first on Smith's fist, and then on Carlos'.

The parachute was eventually freed and flashes lit up the sky above the field in front of the former Clark Library.

"I thought it was great," said Raysean Ford, a sophomore majoring in criminal justice. "I thought it was inspiring, especially for me as an African American man."

Stephanie Zamudio, a sophomore majoring in biological sciences, said the statues mean a lot to the community and taught a history lesson.

"I saw the pictures and but I did not know how involved it was - I know a lot more now," Zamudio said. "The symbolism and everything is just, wow."

(Read entire story)

..."the statue does Smith and Carlos justice, and then some. It is a lyrical work of art, and a fitting tribute to two amazing athletes who rose to their moment in time. Credit should go to the artist, a sculptor who goes by the name Rigo23. " - Dave Zirin (Published on Thursday, October 20, 2005 by CommonDreams.org)