World leaders boycotting the opening ceremonies is an appropriate protest for China's human rights violations, and the IOC's choice of such a strong human rights violator as host of for games.

The IOC has repeatedly damaged itself over the decades by giving the honour of hosting games to repressive and war-like countries.

Endorsing such countries is against the ideals the IOC claims to foster.

It seems host countries are chosen by the perks and handouts they offer members of the IOC site selection committee.

The IOC should overhaul the criterion and methods it uses to choose its host nations.

Carlos and Smith did not dishonour the USA when they gave the black power salute.

Those citizens who were supporting discrimination against blacks dishonoured the USA.

Carols and Smith's actions were part of getting a majority of US citizens to change their country's laws and regain its honour.

Keith S, Winnipeg, Canada

To say they should not boycott is to me like saying participate whatever the cost. The IOC lost the plot after 68 when the vast wealth created over took the ethos of the Games. These brave men had belief and I, being white English living in Moss Side Manchester understood the issues of race and the problems prevalent at that time.
My view is that nothing will change unless the forces of change are focused appropriately. Therefore China (and other oppressors) needs to change and the rest of the World needs to do its bit. Without doubt the IOC needs the same level of change going back to what it is a "Sporting Event" that transends everything. To think that "they" IOC have the power to make China think again is pathetic.
What I do not understand after reading the article above is why these 2 brave men were not supported by thier fellow Countrymen, if not obviously by the majority then certainly by the minority who they supported wholeheartidly. Sad very sad.

Graham Whittingham, Manchester, England

When we talk about human rights, let's not forget about the invasion of Iraq by a foreign power under a pretext of imminent threat and manufactured evidence which had since been proven to be false. So no western governments are blameless and should keep their mouths about other country internal affairs.
The same Dala Lama who is protesting about human rights was the head of the corrupt and brutal theocracy of monks who kept the Tibetans under selfdom before China reassert sovereignty in 1959. Let him deny this fact; otherwise he is just like any other politicians speaking with fork tongues.
BTW, you never hear the same holy man talk about abuse of human rights in the country like the US or Israel. Let those without sin cast the first stone and stop being a hypocrite.

Frank, lQueensland, Australia

Why all this fuss about China and from people who know nothing about the country? Do people know the likely effect of giving in to Tibet? We should just as well give the Welsh, Scots and Northern Ireland their proper freedoms. On the issue of human rights abuse: many talk of this as if the West is not equally guilty of it. The Olympics is all about games and we should keep it at that. If I could influence the Chinese, I would ask them to punish the author of this chaos: Steven Spielberg. They could start of by boycotting his movies. I should like to know how he feels when he is unable to tap into the Chinese market.

Annie, Cambridge, UK

It is time to do one of two things, 1 either discontinue this dog and pony show which is fast becoming a political football or set up a permanent venue for it near Athens Greece where it all began! Stop fighting over where it is to be every 4 years, thus avoiding a lot of huge expenditures and a lot of hurt feelings!.

C. Cannon, Sacramento, USA

John Carlos was our track coach at Palm Springs High School (PSHS), California. He served our community with great dedication & dignity. As a kid having grown up in London seeing the Mexico Olympics on TV, it always gave me a thrill to see Mr. Carlos trackside, when I would exercise @ PSHS after hours, knowing that he had been so courageous in his support of civil rights. We need more heroes like Mr. Carlos.

I didn't even mind being repeatedly told by him to run on the outside tracks inside of wearing out the inside tracks, on the newly laid tarmac. "Run on the outside" was his plea, in an attempt to save the surface for his successful HS team.

I'm pained to hear of the scarifices he made.This simple gesture was defiant yet peaceful. My hope is that other such protests can be as powerful in galvanizing a worldwide audience to action. Let's see if new protesters can be as effective, long-term role models for our youth, as Mr Carlos has been in our corner of California.

anne dillon, palm springs, california, usa

I don't support the chinese government over its handling of tibet but I think we should also use this event to assess or own governments actions be it the uk, usa etc.as all are far from perfect

r hutch, glasgow,

I can see people mixing it all up: football, Israel and such... ok what about Russia, where winter Olympics is to be held you know when?

The Chinese govt seems not to listen to anyone re any single matter. of course, there should be protests - in some form or another!

And what brave people are those three. They knew what to expect as consequences but they still went on to do that.

Tim, Moscow, Russia ffs

To alan routledge, chester, england.
Perhaps your innate hatred should be better directed at God who has created "those outlined above". Thankfully there are still many of us that enjoy sport and other arenas of human endeavour for what they are and not for the genetic make up of the participants.

Anthony, London, England

What can i say to these gus who expressed a lot of their amazing opinions on China. But definitely, i have to tell them that China has 8 officially legal parties. And even one of them originally is the part of the party in Taiwan which just won the taiwan regional leadeship election.

allen, HK, China

Tommie Smith and John Carlos made the international community aware of the continued suffering of African Americans. Their symbolic gesture is an image of strength to all Africans. The vilification they received from Americans proves there protest was true. There is no justification for the acts that led to the death of Smith's elderly mother.
Joe claimed that such action is 'understandable'. I disagree.

Paul, London, UK

.
The athlete who was on the podium as the silver medalist was an Australian , Peter Norman.
Unfortunately Peter passed away 18 months ago.
In interviews he always said he supported the stand of Smith and Carlos, raising the awareness of heavy racism against African Americans. Either Smith or Carlos visited Norman in Australia a two years ago, they remained friends.
It's difficult to imagine what it would be like to have daily discrimination against you and watch your children suffer it too.
I believe their peaceful protest was in order, as it would not have been noticed otherwise. It definitely helped reduce the racism of the 60's. Some American actions back home were not 'laudible' or 'understandable' they were ignorant.
People who stay silent in the face of injustice, are either very comfortable, ignorant, ....or both.
Protests that don't raise awareness of an injustice are useless.
.

alan, Melbourne, Australia.

"Maybe the IOC needs to devise another formula to work out what nations have the right to host the Games" Well said. By using this formula perhaps London would not be eligible to host the Games because of its role in the "weapon of mass destruction" scandal!

Tim, London,

40 years ago, half of China was starving to death due to drought and Communist repression. They have come a long way since then.

Bill Clinton often said - "Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good."

Patrick Henry, Bristol,

It is a well known scientific fact that black athletes have a genetic advantage over whites with a higher proportion of "fast-twitch" fibres and more testosterone.The fast-twitch muscles are good at producing explosive bursts of energy and are prevalent in West Africans and American Africans and "slow-twich" Africans,who are found in Kenya,allow them to sustain muscle effort long periods.
Hence sprinters originate from W.Africa and the slaves and marathon runners from E.Africa.
W.Africans,Caribb-U.S,Africans have less body fat,higher centre of gravity,narrower hips and higher levels of testosterone in their blood.
Hence the look of horror on Hitler's face when he saw Jesse Owens winning in Berlin and hence the need for them to have their own Games and Olympics.
All success stories in sport revolve around cheats,freaks or those with an unfair advantage,hence my lack of interest in athletics and football in our country which has been taken over by the likes of those outlined above.

alan routledge, chester, england

Regarding Derek Smith's comment, Peter Norman was actually an Australian. He expressed sympathy with both Smith and Carlos which is why he also wore the civil rights badge, it was because of this and his outspokeness against the white Australia policy that the Australian Olympic authorities refused to select him for the 1972 Olympics (even after qualifying over 15 times).

Debs, London,

Hey Derek of Brighton

Did you actualy read the article the answer you seek was in the last two paragraphs his name was Peter Norman and he was Australian not New Zealander.

Smith and Carlos attended his funeral here Norman doesnt appear oh the staute in the US but he was very happy about that as it he thought it would be great if others could stand in his place he was very much a man who stood for principles in this case black equality the three remained good friends many years after the games even if they didnt remain in contact so much

Phil, Melbourne, Australia

Ok then Joe, What is an ordinary American by the way? the point of the gesture is still valid today andshames America into admitting their past, something to which till this day it refuses to acknowledge. China should not have the Olympics, in fact I fear this is the beginning of the death of the track & fields

Peter Gomez, London, England

Smith and Carlos made no contribution to the advancement of human rights, but I'm sure that their adolescent gesture felt rewarding at the time. The reaction of millions of ordinary Americans back home is, while not laudable, at least understandable.

Joe, New York, US

If Carlos and Smith had felt as strongly as they did they should have boycotted the event. If black American athletes had not been willing to participate then the USA would have been struggling in the track and field. Black athletes had a weapon which they chose not to use. I felt at the time, and still do, that they took the easy way out. They wanted to win first and demonstrate second.

On the third step was a New Zealander who put up two personal bests to get on the podium. He was the real spirit of the Olympics and an inspiration to everyone. But he, of course, is ignored. Does anyone remember his name? Immortality, it seems, is reserved for those who go against what the Olympics should stand for.

Since 68 it's maintained its political component and the morals of the whole event seem to have been forgotten. The Olympic movement, a way of bringing countries together has, it seems, has been sacrificed on the alter of the easy gensture.

Derek Smith, Brighton, UK

All this anti-chinese rhetoric conveniently ignores the question where could the games actually be held? Which country is blameless and scrupulously fair in it's dealings with others? USA? UK?.

France?

Nobody should condone the occupation of Tibet and pressure should be brought to encourage Beijing towards a fair solution but making a pariah out the chinese political system is hypocrisy worthy of a Gold medal.

Adam, Valencia, spain

Not brainwashed, I really feel proud of my country. What she did, is doing, will do is beneficial to her people as well as to the whole world. Though the political system is a bit different in my country. The way to train atheletes is various. people are really equal. no matter what ethnic he is. Hope no media distortion.

sailzhang, Shanghai,

What your article does not explain. Why did Smith and Carlos wear one left and one right-handed glove each? Because the pair of gloves belonged to Norman who was fully committed to the protest, not just wearing a badge.

Paul, Nottingham,

I support china in holding the olympics and the handling of the tibetan protests ,Israel the most terrorist/racist country in the world is blockading gaza with its 1 million inhabitants but nobody talk about it...who owns our media i wanna know....

plouf, derby,

The Olympic has become no more than a money making drug taking political machine though its good to see people power at work even if its media driven !

tony, melbourne, australia

If "human rights" in china mean only the right of protesting against china government, which western strive to push to chinese, I just want to say that " right " is only a tool which western are going to use for against the governmant. So the tibetans in west countries are poor men who are used to be a tool for western's politic purposes , also the tibetans beg money from the western by doing the " peaceful protests".

Mark, Hamilton, NZ

The IOC should be seen and work as a force for good in sport.

More and more often now they are seen as a wasteful organisation, sometimes corrupt and certainly being used by totalitarian regimes to sanction their dictatorships and their suppression of human rights.

The IOC still has a lot to learn about dealing with sports in a higly political environment. The unbelieveble chaos and ineptitude of the IOC displayed during the run-up to the Bejing Games highlight this.

What the IOC now needs to deal with urgently is the fact that a host nation was awarded the games having given a pledge to the IOC to improve it's human rights record and has ignored that pledge.

Actually the Communist dictators in Bejing have used the Olympics as a legitimate technique to crack-down on human rights and arrest thousands of people whose opinions do not match that of the Chinese Communist Party.

So IOC power and influence has been somewhat weakened lately...

James, Salisbury, UK

oh, shame on the IOC, why we just cancel it? who give them the right to support those infamous countries?

cty, zhejiang hangzhou, china

Although the bravery of these two athletes to show the world of the struggle that there was in America at the time had to be admired, there also had to be punishment for them from the IOC.
The reason? If they were not punished, all of a sudden every athlete would be using the medal ceramony to "highlight" some issue or another which in turn would have led to the end of the Olympics.
Sport should not be used as a mouthpiece for politics. Sport is supposed to transcend politics.

Pete, St Albans, England

Frankly it's a disgrace that the 'IOC' should ban any athlete for standing up for what they believe in. The 'IOC' should be nothing more than an organisational body responsible for the administration of the olympics and upholding the principles of the games. And since when have the principles of the games involved requiring that the athletes are all good boys & girls and do exactly as they are told and not display opinions about anything that might affect the commercial success of the games.
I'm not sure that I'm a natural rebel, a natural trouble maker, but the repressiveness of the dictate of the modern commercial world on the olympics depresses me. I celebrate every challange to it.
Athletes... stand up for change, stand up against the commercial & political pressures and tell the world what you believe.

Robert, London, UK

While I have admiration for the likes of Carlos and Smith, the issue is entirely different. Supporting Human Rights now seems to be offer carte blanche to anyone wishing to have a pop at China and Chinese people.

Carlos and Smith were protesting at differences in their own country. Chinese athletes are invariably in favour of the games and view the Tibet issue as a western manufactured smoke screen.

Some westerners may point out that Tibetan people have no right to protest, but they live under the same conditions as all other people in china, enjoy the increasing religious and economic, if not political, freedom of everyone else in the country. And it doens't matter which country in the world you are from, if members of your community go on the rampage, burning, murdering and pillaging, then the govt, democratic, autocratic, whatever, ois only going to respond in one way: decisively.

The western stance on Tibet is guided by western propaganda.

Mike, Beijing, China

The treatment of Smith and Carlos and their families had everything to do with the colour of their skin.

Phil, Padova, Italia

So much interest in Human rights.
Maybe we should hold the olypics in Israel...

John doe, Praha, Czech Rep.

Mr. Heisman seems to think these men, who took a step of
speech, "disgraced their country." Sorry, Mr. Heisman, if anyone disgraces this country it is people who make comments like yours--don't rock the boat, is that the motto of Patrick Henry? Give me liberty but give me silence? :" was it? Let's face it the olympics are, in the US--as in many countries--time for a bit of self congratulation and muffled--or not so muffled--jingoism. Those guys ran their hearts out at high altitute. They competed and won us medals. All they were trying to say is "don't dislocate your national shoulder patting yourself on the back--we did this in spite of racism." And yes, there was then and is now racism in sport. Think not? Just look at certain sports and see, in countries with
disparate populations, if certain sports are very white. It's not just something that happens--unless you're one of those people who thinks "they sure have a nice sense of rythm..."

letscleanhouse, Detroit, Michigan USA

Tommie Smith and John Carlos are two of the greatest Americans of their generation. Their importance to the Civil Rights Movement was monumental if only for this one shining moment . In 1968 I was just finishing college in one of the most profoundly racist areas of the US, believing much I'd been taught about race, and yet I found their protest beautiful--what a sense of style and symbol they possessed!

About a year earlier I'd seen Tommie Smith run in person. He was aloof, quiet, but overwhelmingly powerful, with a stride I could hardly imagine. That such a beautiful, powerful athletic force should raise his fist as he did was stunning in its political, social implications and its indictment of white America. That's why he and Carlos suffered so much later. They FORCED us whites to see what we were doing, to recognize how noble African-Americans could be.

These two will live forever in the history of America's continuing struggle to achieve equality and respect for all.

James Rollins, Durham,

The Smith & Carlos protest was a life-changing moment for me as a then 14 year-old and significantly shaped my thinking on race and inequality. We who choose to make a stand on moral grounds will always lose out in a material sense but the value of being able to look our children in the eye is priceless.

Chris Claridge, Singapore,

I live in Mexico City and have visited, and run in the 1968 Olympic Stadium.

The presence of these heroes is still there; and we should not forget the dignity of their protest. They were, and still are giants.

We should also remember the huge number of Mexican citizens gunned down by their own government's forces shortly before the games began.

I am not especially political but I cannot understand why we would honour a police state by awarding them the Olympic Games.

I do not believe that athletes should boycott anything; but, equally they ought to use their status to represent the feelings of many ordinary people who abhor all that China stands for.

Where and who are the Tommie Smith's, John Carlos' and Peter Norman's of 2008?

I

Paul Matthews, Mexico City, Mexico

Beijing is using the fact that they have the Olympic Games as a very political statement; a way to validate the legitimacy of the Chinese government. Anyone who believes the Olympics are apolitical is a fool.

Jerry Schapker, Evansville, Indiana, USA

Doesn't anyone remember that we fully participated in the 1936 summer Olympic games in Nazi Germany? That we were willing participants, eager to earn the Gold medal?

Does any reader truly believe that today we are any more intelligent, any more sophisticated or any more moral than our grandparents?

Quite obviously the answer is no.

Mr. Smith and Mr. Carlos learned a very hard lesson in 1968. Protest is not for the meek. And protest against ones own country is not for those who plan to return home. But protest against an uncivilised, repressive, regime that supports both terrorism and aggression against innocents and other democracies is not the same as disgracing ones own nation.

If China can't control it's autocratic policies, its violence and repression of its own people, its brutal treatment of dissidents, and its support of genocide and terrorism around the world, perhaps a bit of protest will not only be appropriate, but will be welcomed at home.

It might even bring change.

Jack Heismann, Washington, D.C.

In the summer of 1968 I was 8 years of age. When I saw John Carlos and Tommie Smith raise their fists in protest and pride I remember being proud of them. They inspired me to always stick up for justice, equality, and the dignity of each living being. It has saddened me to learn from this article that each met with such struggles for their courage. Though I am white, I could identify with their stance. It made sense to me. May more in the world have their courage and conviction.

Katherine, Central Virginia, USA

I wonder what would happen if large numbers of atheletes- whole teams, even- skipped the opening ceremony? Wouldn't be much of a game if they kicked out half the contestants.

Michael, Pueblo, Colorado, US