Tommie Smith Researched via: Student Name: Chela Charles Date: April 8 th 2011

Who is Tommie Smith? Tommie Smith (born June 6, 1944) is an African American former track & field athlete and wide receiver in the American Football League. At the 1968 Summer Olympics, Smith won the 200-meter dash finals in seconds – the first time the 20 second barrier was broken.

Tommie Smith's accomplishments: he won the gold medal for the 200 m in a world record time He and a teammate, John Carlos, who earned the bronze medal, gave a Black Power salute while receiving their medals. Silver medalist Peter Norman, a white Australian, donned a human rights badge on the podium in support of their protest.

Tommie Smith's schools and affiliations: While attending Lemoore High School, Smith showed great potential, setting most of the school's track records, many of which remain. He won the 440 yard dash in the 1963 CIF California State Meet. His achievements won him a scholarship to San Jose State. On May 7, 1966, Smith set a world best of 19.5 seconds in the 200 meters and 220 yards in 1966, running on a straight cinder track at San Jose State. That "world best" for 200 meters was finally beaten by Tyson Gay on May 16, 2010, just over 44 years later., though Smith still holds the best for the slightly longer 220 yard event.

Gift to Usain Bolt: His shoes which was more than enough inspiration

What do you like to the most about Tommie Smith? I am not really a track lover, but from what I’ve found out about him he was just a black star fight for life.