Tommie Smith

About Tommie Smith

In the 1968 Summer Olympics, an American track and field athlete became the first to break the 20-second barrier in the 200-meter sprint.

Tommie C. Smith is an American former track & field athlete and former wide receiver in the American Football League. At the 1968 Summer Olympics, Smith, aged 24, won the 200-meter sprint finals and gold medal in 19.83 seconds – the first time the 20-second barrier was broken officially. His Black Power salute with John Carlos atop the medal podium to protest racism and injustice against African-Americans in the United States caused controversy, as it was seen as politicizing the Olympic Games. It remains a symbolic moment in the history of the Black Power movement.

College team	San Jose State Spartans
Sport	Track and field
Club	Santa Clara Valley Youth Village
Event(s)	Sprints
Personal best(s)	100 m: 10.1h (San Jose, 1966), 200 m: 19.83 (Mexico City, 1968), 400 m: 44.5h (San Jose, 1967)

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Trivia

His Black Power salute during the medal ceremony at the 1968 Olympics became an important symbol of the African-American Civil Rights Movement.

Tommie Smith before fame

Because of his incredible speed, he was awarded a scholarship to San Jose State University.

Achievement of Tommie Smith

His Black Power salute at the 1968 Olympics at the medal ceremony became a symbol of the African-American Civil Rights Movement.

Salary 2020

Not known

Net Worth 2020

Undisclosed

Tommie Smith family life

Before marrying Delois in 2000, he had a daughter, Danielle, with his first wife.

Associations of Tommie Smith

Long before Usain Bolt, he was breaking records at the Summer Olympics.

Tommie Smith Height, Weight & Physique Measurements

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