41 Interesting Facts about John Carlos

Dan August 16, 2023

John Carlos is an American former track and field athlete known for his iconic and politically charged gesture during the 1968 Summer Olympics. Born on June 5, 1945, in Harlem, New York, Carlos became an accomplished sprinter and competed in track and field events during his college years.

His most famous moment came during the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. After winning the bronze medal in the 200 meters, Carlos, along with fellow American athlete Tommie Smith, raised his fist in a Black Power salute during the medal ceremony. This powerful act was a protest against racial inequality and discrimination in the United States. The image of their raised fists became a symbol of resistance and the fight for civil rights.

Carlos faced significant backlash for his protest, including threats to his safety and his career. Despite the challenges, he continued to be an advocate for civil rights and social justice. He participated in various activist efforts and used his platform to raise awareness about issues affecting marginalized communities.

After retiring from competitive athletics, Carlos became a coach and mentor, inspiring young athletes and emphasizing the importance of using one’s platform for positive change. His actions during the 1968 Olympics left an enduring impact on sports, activism, and the conversation about race and equality. John Carlos’ courage and commitment to justice have solidified his place as a pivotal figure in the history of both sports and civil rights.

John Carlos (Wikimedia)

Do you want to know more about John Carlos? Here are 41 interesting facts about John Carlos to give you more information about him.

1. John Wesley Carlos was born on June 5, 1945, in Harlem, New York.
2. He grew up in a neighborhood heavily impacted by poverty and racial inequality.
3. Carlos was a talented track and field athlete from a young age, participating in sports during his school years.
4. He attended East Texas State University (now Texas A&M University-Commerce) on a track scholarship.
5. Carlos competed in the 200 meters and 400 meters events during his college career.
6. At the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, Carlos won the bronze medal in the 200 meters.
7. The iconic moment came during the medal ceremony when he and Tommie Smith raised their fists in a Black Power salute, symbolizing protest against racial injustice.
8. Carlos wore a black glove on his right hand and raised his left fist to symbolize unity.
9. The protest aimed to draw attention to the civil rights struggle and the discrimination faced by Black Americans.
10. Carlos also wore beads around his neck to symbolize lynching victims.
11. The protest was met with backlash from the International Olympic Committee and some media outlets.
12. Both Carlos and Smith were expelled from the Olympic Village.
13. Carlos and Smith received death threats and faced professional repercussions for their protest.
14. Carlos’ wife, Kim, was supportive of his activism and even helped smuggle the black gloves into the stadium.
15. He faced financial challenges after his protest, with sponsors withdrawing their support.
16. In the years following the Olympics, Carlos continued to advocate for civil rights and social justice.
17. He participated in the Olympic Project for Human Rights, an organization that aimed to address racial inequality in sports.
18. Carlos retired from competitive athletics after the Olympics.
19. He played briefly in the National Football League (NFL) with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1970.
20. Carlos pursued a career in education and became a high school track and field coach.
21. He also worked as a counselor and mentor for young people.
22. Carlos’ autobiography, “The John Carlos Story: The Sports Moment That Changed the World,” was published in 2011.
23. In 2008, Carlos received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPY Awards.
24. He was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2003.
25. Carlos’ protest had a significant impact on sports activism and inspired other athletes to use their platforms for social change.
26. His iconic image became a symbol of resistance and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for civil rights.
27. Carlos remains an outspoken advocate for racial equality, civil rights, and social justice.
28. He has spoken at universities and events around the world, sharing his experiences and insights.
29. In 2019, a statue depicting Carlos and Smith’s raised fists was unveiled at San Jose State University, where they had trained.
30. Carlos’ actions at the 1968 Olympics continue to be celebrated as a pivotal moment in history.
31. He received the National Civil Rights Museum Sports Legacy Award in 2020.
32. Carlos’ protest has been recognized as a significant contribution to the ongoing fight against racial inequality.
33. He is often invited to speak about his experiences and the importance of using sports as a platform for change.
34. Carlos’ courage and activism have inspired generations of athletes and activists to stand up against injustice.
35. He continues to work with organizations that promote social justice, education, and community empowerment.
36. Carlos’ legacy serves as a reminder of the power of individuals to make a meaningful impact on society.
37. He remains dedicated to sharing his story and working toward a more just and inclusive world.
38. Carlos’ actions embody the idea that athletes can be powerful advocates for positive change.
39. His legacy is a testament to the enduring importance of addressing systemic racism and fighting for equality.
40. John Carlos’ impact on sports, activism, and civil rights will forever be etched in history as a beacon of courage, resistance, and the unyielding pursuit of justice.
41. His commitment to using his platform for social change serves as an inspiration for all those who strive to make the world a better place.