Olympic Games

Mexico City, 1968

Mexico City was the first Latin American host for the Olympic games.
The Olympic games in Mexico were controversially held at the highest altitude ever. The venue had an altitude of 2,239 meters (7,349 feet). The thin air was bad for athletes in endurance events, but it lead to records in short races, relays, and jumping events.
10 days before the Olympics began, students protesting against the government were surrounded by the army who opened fire, killing 267 and injuring more than 1,000.
After the 200-meter race, Americans Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists in a 'Black Power' salute on the winner's podium. The two are immediately suspended from the Games and deported from the country.
Athletes compete in 122 men's events, 39 women's events, and 11 mixed events, and the U.S. pulls ahead of the U.S.S.R., winning 107 medals (45 gold) to 91 (29 gold).

USA athlete Bob Beamon shattered the long-jump world record by more than 21 inches.
Dick Fosbury revolutionized the high-jump with his back-first "Fosbury flop" technique, winning the gold medal.
American Al Oerter won the discus for the fourth time.
Swedish pentathlete Hans-Grunner Liljenwall was the first to be disqualified for drug use, having tested positive for excessive alcohol.