Student Name: Jinelle Thompson Date: 4/15/10

Who is Tommie Smith? Tommie Smith was born June 6, 1944, in Clarksville, Texas, the seventh of 12 children. Tommie Smith survived a life-threatening bout of pneumonia as an infant, which allowed him to carry out the work that God intended for him. He is the only man in the history of track and field to hold eleven world records simultaneously. As a college student, Tommie amazingly tied or broke a total of 13 world records in track.

Tommie Smith's accomplishments: Sprinter Tommie Smith once held eleven world and American records at the same time, but is most noted for his silent civil rights protest at the Mexico City Olympics in Standing on the podium after accepting his gold medal for a world-record performance in the 200 meters, Smith raised one black-gloved fist in a salute to African- American power, inciting both controversy and praise. He is the only man in the history of track and field to hold eleven world records simultaneously.

Tommie Smith's schools and affiliations: Tommie Smith received his Bachelor of Arts degree from San Jose State University in Social Science, with double minors in Military Science and Physical Education. Tommie received his Masters Degree in Sociology from Goddard Cambridge in Boston, Mass. In May 2005 he received the Honorary Doctorate Degree of Humane Letters from San Jose State University.

Gift to Usain Bolt: Smith gave Usain Bolt one of his running shoes as a birthday gi.ft

What do you like to the most about Tommie Smith? The thing I like the most is that he is very determined and despite all odds he still does his best. He also showed black power at the Olympics.