Where were the 1968 Summer Olympics held? The 1968 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XIX Olympiad, were held in Mexico City, Mexico. This edition of the Olympics marked a significant moment in the history of the Games, as it was the first time that the Olympics were held in Latin America and the first time that the United States was not the host country. The event took place from October 12 to October 27, 1968, and featured a total of 1,624 athletes from 112 countries competing in 19 sports.
The 1968 Summer Olympics were memorable for several reasons. One of the most notable events was the Black Power salute by American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos during the medal ceremony for the 200-meter race. The two athletes raised their fists in the air, a symbol of the civil rights movement, as the national anthem played. This act of protest against racial injustice and the treatment of African Americans in the United States sparked a global controversy and became one of the most iconic moments in Olympic history.
Another significant event during the 1968 Olympics was the introduction of the “Mexican Wave,” a crowd behavior that became a worldwide phenomenon. The wave was first seen during the opening ceremony, and it quickly spread to other events, becoming a staple of Olympic Stadiums worldwide.
The 1968 Summer Olympics also saw the debut of the women’s 1500-meter race, which was a significant step forward for gender equality in the Olympics. Additionally, the Games were marked by a boycott by several African countries, who protested against the South African team’s participation due to the country’s apartheid policies.
Mexico City faced numerous challenges in hosting the Olympics, including high altitude, pollution, and the political turmoil of the time. Despite these difficulties, the event was widely regarded as a success, with many memorable moments and achievements. The 1968 Summer Olympics will always be remembered as a pivotal moment in the history of the Games, not only for the athletic accomplishments but also for the cultural and political significance of the event.
