"1968. There was never a year when the world of sports and politics collided so breathlessly," w rites Dave Zirin. And nothing symbolized that year more than the iconic image of medal winners Tommie Smith and John Carlos on the podium with their raised black gloved fists at the Mexico City Olympics. They also wore no shoes to protest black poverty. The reaction was sharp and swift. Within hours, they were expelled from the Olympic Village and Mexico and were demonized by the establishment. That moment is one of the most enduring in sports history. But the politics that led to it has been forgotten. Smith and Carlos sacrificed privilege and glory to make a statement about racism and inequality. Today, sports is a global, trillion dollar business. The idea of athletes using their exalted status to speak out about injustice is rare.

Dave Zirin
Dave Zirin, winner of Press Action's Sportswriter of the Year Award, has been called "an icon in the world of progressive sports." His articles appear in "The Nation" and "The Progressive" magazines. He is the host of Edge of Sports Radio. He's the author of "What's My Name, Fool?" and "Welcome to the Terrordome." His latest book is "A People's History of Sports in the United States."