The boycott never happened. Smith won the gold medal in the 200 meters, breaking the world record, and Carlos took the bronze. They used their moment in the spotlight to stage a silent protest against the injustices that Blacks faced. Their act cost them dearly.
"I was vilified overnight," says Carlos, now a track coach and counselor at Palm Springs High School. "Friends walked away, job opportunities were not there, I couldn't pay my bills. My first wife took her life in part because of what happened."
"What they did changed the way we look at sports and its relation to society," says Edwards, now head of Oakland's Parks and Recreation Department. The Associated Students have begun fund-raising efforts for the statue, and the university — which supports the commemoration — is offering its expertise to help organize such an effort.
Students will hold a reception Oct. 16, the 35th anniversary of the salute, to name the sculptor who will design the monument.
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