What were the official dates of the 1968 Summer Olympics?

The 1968 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XIX Olympiad, were held from October 12 to October 27, 1968.

In which city and country did the 1968 Summer Olympics take place?

The 1968 Summer Olympics were hosted in Mexico City, Mexico.

What made the 1968 Summer Olympics significant in terms of host location?

These Games were the first Olympic Games to be held in Latin America, the first in a Spanish-speaking country, and the first to be hosted in the Global South. They also marked the first time in two Olympic Games cycles that the event was not held in Europe.

What technological advancements in athletics were introduced at the 1968 Games?

The 1968 Games were the first to utilize an all-weather track for track and field events, replacing the traditional cinder track. Additionally, they were the first Olympics to exclusively use electronic timekeeping equipment.

How did the 1968 Mexican Student Movement and the Tlatelolco massacre relate to the Olympic Games?

The 1968 Mexican Student Movement, which protested for greater civil and democratic rights, was suppressed by the government days before the Games began, culminating in the Tlatelolco massacre. The Games were thus associated with the government's repression of these protests.

Which nation won the most gold and overall medals at the 1968 Summer Olympics?

The United States won the most gold and overall medals at the 1968 Summer Olympics. This was the last time until the 1984 Summer Games that the U.S. achieved this feat.

Which cities were considered alongside Mexico City for hosting the 1968 Summer Olympics?

Mexico City was selected over bids from Detroit, Buenos Aires, and Lyon at the 60th IOC Session in Baden-Baden, West Germany.

Describe the route of the 1968 Olympic torch relay.

The 1968 Olympic torch relay recreated the route historically taken by Christopher Columbus to the New World, starting in Greece, traveling through Italy and Spain, and then proceeding to San Salvador Island in the Bahamas before reaching Mexico.

Who was commissioned to forge the Olympic torch for the 1968 Games?

American sculptor James Metcalf, an expatriate living in Mexico, was commissioned to forge the Olympic torch for the 1968 Summer Games.

What was notable about the visual identity of the 1968 Mexico City Olympics?

The logo for the 1968 Games is considered a Mexican cultural icon. There was a dispute over its origination between designer Lance Wyman and architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez, with Eduardo Terrazas also contributing to the concept.

Was there an unofficial mascot for the 1968 Summer Olympics?

Yes, a pink chacmool jaguar, sold in souvenir shops, is considered an unofficial mascot for the 1968 Games.

What symbolic gesture was made by student protesters regarding the 'dove of peace' symbol of the Games?

Student protesters used a symbol of a dove of peace that had a bayonet piercing it, appropriating the Games' symbol to express their dissent.

What significant protest occurred during the medal ceremony for the men's 200-meter race?

During the medal ceremony for the men's 200-meter race, American athletes Tommie Smith (gold) and John Carlos (bronze) raised their black-gloved fists in a Black Power salute to protest for civil rights. Australian sprinter Peter Norman, who won silver, also wore a human rights badge in support.

What were the consequences for Tommie Smith and John Carlos following their protest?

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) banned Smith and Carlos from the Olympic Games for life. Their expulsion from the Games was a direct result of their protest.

How was Peter Norman affected by his support for Smith and Carlos?

Peter Norman, the Australian sprinter who wore a human rights badge, was ostracized by Australian media and reprimanded by his country's Olympic authorities. He was subsequently not selected for the 1972 Olympic team, though the reasons are debated.

Who won the gold medal in the heavyweight boxing division at the 1968 Games?

George Foreman won the gold medal in the heavyweight boxing division, defeating Jonas Čepulis by a second-round technical knockout.

How did the high altitude of Mexico City affect the Games?

Mexico City's high altitude, at 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) above sea level, significantly influenced many events, particularly in track and field. No other Summer Olympic Games before or since have been held at such a high elevation.

What was the significance of Al Oerter's performance in the discus throw?

Al Oerter won his fourth consecutive gold medal in the discus, becoming only the second athlete in history to achieve this feat in an individual event and the first in athletics.

What record did Bob Beamon set in the long jump?

Bob Beamon set an incredible world record in the long jump with a leap of 8.90 meters (29 ft 2.39 in), surpassing the previous record by 55 cm (22 in). This record stood for 23 years and remains the current Olympic record.

Which athletes set long-standing world records in the 100m, 200m, and 400m races?

Jim Hines set a world record in the 100m, Tommie Smith in the 200m, and Lee Evans in the 400m, with these records enduring for significant periods.

How did Dick Fosbury's high jump technique impact the sport?

Dick Fosbury won the gold medal in the high jump using his innovative 'Fosbury flop' technique. This unique style quickly became the dominant method used by athletes in the event.

What protest did Věra Čáslavská make during the gymnastics competition?

Czechoslovakian gymnast Věra Čáslavská silently protested the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia by turning her head away during the playing of the Soviet national anthem on the medal podium. She repeated this silent protest when scores were controversially adjusted to allow a Soviet gymnast to tie with her for gold.

What was the outcome for Věra Čáslavská following her protests?

While her actions were supported by her countrymen, the new Czechoslovakian regime banned her from sporting events and international travel for many years, making her an outcast until the fall of communism.

Which swimmer became the first to win three individual gold medals in freestyle events?

American swimmer Debbie Meyer was the first to win three individual gold medals in the 200m, 400m, and 800m freestyle events. The 800m freestyle was a new long-distance event for women at these Games.

What was the first disqualification due to doping in Olympic history?

The introduction of doping tests at the 1968 Games resulted in the first disqualification for doping: Swedish pentathlete Hans-Gunnar Liljenwall was disqualified for consuming alcohol before his competition.

Who was John Stephen Akhwari and what made him famous?

John Stephen Akhwari of Tanzania became internationally recognized for finishing the marathon in last place, despite suffering from a dislocated knee. His perseverance highlighted the spirit of Olympic participation.

Who was the first woman to light the Olympic cauldron?

Norma Enriqueta Basilio de Sotelo of Mexico holds the distinction of being the first woman to light the Olympic cauldron with the Olympic flame.

What trend did African distance runners set at the 1968 Games?

There was a significant African presence in men's distance running for the first time, with African athletes winning medals in all running events from 800m to the marathon. This established a trend for future Olympic Games, as many of these runners were well-prepared for Mexico City's high altitude.

What was the IOC's decision regarding South Africa's participation in the 1968 Games?

South Africa was positively excluded from the 1968 Games by the IOC. This decision followed threats of boycotts from African and Eastern Bloc countries, despite South Africa's attempts to present an integrated team.

When did South Africa's exclusion from the Olympics begin and end?

South Africa's positive exclusion from the Olympic Games began with the 1968 Games and continued until the 1992 Olympics.

What was the significance of East and West Germany competing as separate teams in 1968?

For the first time, East Germany and West Germany competed as separate national teams at the Summer Olympics. Previously, they had competed as a combined German team in 1956, 1960, and 1964.

Which countries participated in the Summer Olympics for the first time in 1968?

Barbados competed for the first time as an independent nation. Other nations making their Summer Olympic debut included British Honduras (now Belize), Central African Republic, Congo-Kinshasa, El Salvador, Guinea, Honduras, Kuwait, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Sierra Leone, and the United States Virgin Islands.

Which country returned to the Games as an independent nation in 1968?

Singapore returned to the Olympic Games as an independent country in 1968, having previously competed as part of the Malaysian team in 1964.

What was the status of Judo in the 1968 Olympics?

The organizers chose not to include a judo tournament in the 1968 Games, despite it being a medal sport four years earlier. This marked the last time judo was absent from the Olympic program.

Was baseball featured as a demonstration sport in 1968?

No, baseball was not featured as a demonstration sport in 1968, even though it had been in the 1964 Tokyo Games. Instead, a separate international tournament for baseball was held in Mexico City shortly after the Olympics concluded.

What was the total number of nations and athletes participating in the 1968 Summer Olympics?

A total of 112 nations participated, represented by 5,516 athletes (4,735 men and 781 women).

How many events and sports were contested at the 1968 Games?

The program included 172 events across 18 sports, encompassing 24 disciplines.

Which venue hosted the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as athletics events?

The Estadio Olímpico Universitario served as the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies, along with athletics events and the 20km and 50km walk.

What was the primary sport contested at the Estadio Azteca?

The Estadio Azteca was used for football (soccer) matches, including the final game.

Which sports were included as demonstration sports in 1968?

Basque pelota and Tennis were featured as demonstration sports at the 1968 Summer Olympics.

What was the total medal count for the host nation, Mexico?

Mexico, the host nation, won a total of nine medals at the 1968 Summer Olympics.

Which country sent the largest delegation of athletes to the 1968 Games?

The United States sent the largest delegation with 357 athletes, followed by the Soviet Union with 312, and West Germany with 275.

What was the significance of the 1968 Games being televised in color?

The 1968 Summer Olympics were the first to have their closing ceremony and the events themselves transmitted in color to a global audience, marking a milestone in sports broadcasting.

What was the official name of the 1968 Summer Olympics in Spanish?

The official name in Spanish was Juegos de la XIX Olimpiada, and the event was officially branded as México 1968.

What was the IOC President's reaction to the Black Power salute?

IOC President Avery Brundage deemed the Black Power salute a domestic political statement unfit for the Olympic Games and ordered the suspension of Tommie Smith and John Carlos.

Which nation withdrew from the 1968 Games due to participation in the GANEFO and naming disputes?

North Korea withdrew from the 1968 Games because the IOC barred their track and field athletes for participating in the rival Games of the New Emerging Forces (GANEFO) and because the IOC required them to compete under the name 'North Korea' instead of their preferred 'Democratic People's Republic of Korea'.

What was the total number of gold medals won by the United States?

The United States won 45 gold medals at the 1968 Summer Olympics.

How many silver and bronze medals did the Soviet Union win?

The Soviet Union secured 32 silver medals and 30 bronze medals at the 1968 Games.

Which country ranked third in the medal count with 11 gold medals?

Japan ranked third in the medal count, winning 11 gold medals, along with 7 silver and 7 bronze medals.

1968 Summer Olympics Wiki: Mexico City '68: Echoes of an Olympic Turning Point

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Overview

Historic Location

The 1968 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XIX Olympiad and branded as Mexico 1968, were held in Mexico City, Mexico, from 12 to 27 October 1968. These Games marked significant firsts: they were the first Olympic Games staged in Latin America, the first in a Spanish-speaking country, and the first held in the Global South.

Technological Advancements

These Games were pioneers in athletic infrastructure, introducing the first all-weather synthetic track for athletics, replacing the traditional cinder tracks. They also exclusively utilized electronic timing equipment, setting a new standard for precision in sports.

Timing and Context

Held in the latter part of the year, these Games occurred amidst a period of global social and political change. Notably, they followed the Tlatelolco massacre, a government suppression of student protests just days before the opening ceremony, casting a somber shadow over the event.

Host City Selection

The Bidding Process

Mexico City secured the hosting rights on 18 October 1963, during the 60th IOC Session in Baden-Baden, West Germany. It emerged victorious over bids from Detroit, Buenos Aires, and Lyon. The selection process involved several rounds of voting, with Mexico City ultimately winning with 30 votes in the first round.

1968 Summer Olympics Bidding Results
City	Country	Round 1
Mexico City	Mexico	30
Detroit	United States	14
Lyon	France	12
Buenos Aires	Argentina	2

Olympic Torch Relay

A Journey Through History

The 1968 torch relay traced the historical route of Christopher Columbus to the New World. It commenced in Greece, traversed Italy and Spain, and concluded at San Salvador Island, Bahamas, before reaching Mexico. The Olympic torch itself was forged by American sculptor James Metcalf, an expatriate living in Mexico.

Visual Identity

Emblem and Symbols

The Games' emblem, featuring stylized Olympic rings and the year '68, is considered a Mexican cultural icon. Developed under the direction of architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez, with contributions from Lance Wyman and Eduardo Terrazas, it sparked debate over design origins. An unofficial mascot, a pink chacmool jaguar, was popular in souvenir shops. The dove of peace symbol was notably appropriated by student protesters.

Athletic Highlights

Track and Field Records

The high altitude of Mexico City (2,240 m / 7,350 ft) significantly impacted athletic performances, particularly in track and field. This was the first Olympics held at such an elevation. Athletes like Bob Beamon shattered records, with his 8.90 m long jump setting an Olympic record that stood for 57 years. Jim Hines (100m), Tommie Smith (200m), and Lee Evans (400m) also set remarkable world records.

Gymnastics and Swimming

Věra Čáslavská of Czechoslovakia achieved remarkable success in gymnastics, winning four gold medals and making a silent protest against the Soviet invasion of her country. In swimming, American teenager Debbie Meyer became the first to win three individual freestyle gold medals (200m, 400m, 800m).

Boxing and Field Sports

George Foreman secured the gold medal in heavyweight boxing. Al Oerter won his fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal in the discus throw, a rare feat. Dick Fosbury revolutionized the high jump with his innovative "Fosbury Flop" technique.

Other Notable Performances

Kipchoge Keino of Kenya overcame illness to win gold in the 1500m and silver in the 5000m. John Stephen Akhwari of Tanzania famously finished the marathon last, despite a dislocated knee, embodying the Olympic spirit. The Games also saw the first disqualification due to doping: Hans-Gunnar Liljenwall of Sweden for alcohol consumption.

Significant Controversies

Black Power Salute

In a powerful statement for civil rights, American athletes Tommie Smith (gold) and John Carlos (bronze) raised black-gloved fists during the US national anthem on the 200m podium. Australian silver medalist Peter Norman showed support by wearing a human rights badge. The IOC banned Smith and Carlos from the Games for life.

Czech Gymnastics Protest

Czechoslovakian gymnast Věra Čáslavská silently protested the Soviet invasion of her country by turning her head away during the Soviet anthem and receiving a lower score that resulted in a tie for gold. Her actions led to subsequent persecution by the Czechoslovakian regime.

South Africa's Exclusion

Following diplomatic overtures regarding integration, South Africa was provisionally invited. However, threats of boycotts by African nations and African American athletes led the IOC to exclude South Africa, marking its first outright ban from the Olympics, which persisted until 1992.

Tlatelolco Massacre

Ten days before the Games, the Mexican government violently suppressed student protests in the Plaza de las Tres Culturas, resulting in hundreds of deaths and arrests. This event, occurring shortly before the Olympics, highlighted the political tensions within Mexico.

Olympic Venues

Key Competition Sites

The Games utilized numerous venues across Mexico City, each hosting specific sports. The Estadio Olímpico Universitario served as the primary venue for athletics and ceremonies. Other notable sites included the Estadio Azteca for football finals and the Francisco Márquez Olympic Pool for aquatic events.

Agustín Melgar Olympic Velodrome – Cycling (track)
Arena México – Boxing
Avándaro Golf Club – Equestrian (eventing)
Campo Marte – Equestrian (dressage, jumping individual)
Campo Militar 1 – Modern pentathlon (riding, running)
Club de Yates de Acapulco – Sailing
Estadio Azteca – Football (final)
Estadio Cuauhtémoc – Football preliminaries
Estadio Nou Camp – Football preliminaries
Estadio Olímpico Universitario – Athletics, Ceremonies, Equestrian (jumping team)
Fernando Montes de Oca Fencing Hall – Fencing, Modern pentathlon (fencing)
Francisco Márquez Olympic Pool – Diving, Swimming, Water polo
Arena Insurgentes – Wrestling
Insurgentes Theatre – Weightlifting
Jalisco Stadium – Football preliminaries
Juan de la Barrera Olympic Gymnasium – Volleyball
Juan Escutia Sports Palace – Basketball, Volleyball
Municipal Stadium (Mexico City) – Field hockey
National Auditorium – Gymnastics
Arena Revolución – Volleyball
Satellite Circuit (Mexico City) – Cycling (road race, team time trial)
Virgilio Uribe Rowing and Canoeing Course – Canoeing, Rowing
Vicente Suárez Shooting Range – Shooting, Modern pentathlon (shooting)
Zócalo – Athletics (marathon start)

Sports Featured

Aquatic Disciplines

The Games featured 18 sports, with aquatics encompassing Diving, Swimming, and Water Polo, offering a total of 34 medal events.

Athletics and More

Athletics was the largest sport with 36 events. Other key sports included Basketball, Boxing, Canoeing, Cycling (Road and Track), Equestrian, Fencing, Field Hockey, Football, Gymnastics, Modern Pentathlon, Rowing, Sailing, Shooting, Volleyball, Weightlifting, and Wrestling.

Aquatics (Diving, Swimming, Water Polo)
Athletics
Basketball
Boxing
Canoeing
Cycling (Road, Track)
Equestrian (Dressage, Eventing, Jumping)
Fencing
Field Hockey
Football
Gymnastics
Modern Pentathlon
Rowing
Sailing
Shooting
Volleyball
Weightlifting
Wrestling (Freestyle, Greco-Roman)

Demonstration sports included Basque Pelota and Tennis.

Participating Nations

Global Representation

A total of 112 nations participated, with 5,516 athletes competing. This marked the first time East and West Germany competed as separate entities. Several nations made their Olympic debut, including Barbados, British Honduras (now Belize), and others.

Country	Athletes
Afghanistan	5
Algeria	3
Argentina	89
Australia	128
Austria	43
Bahamas	16
Barbados	9
Belgium	82
Bermuda	6
Bolivia	4
Brazil	76
British Honduras	7
Bulgaria	112
Burma	4
Cameroon	5
Canada	138
Central African Republic	1
Ceylon	3
Chad	3
Chile	21
Colombia	43
Congo-Kinshasa	5
Costa Rica	18
Cuba	115
Czechoslovakia	121
Denmark	64
Dominican Republic	18
Ecuador	15
Egypt	30
El Salvador	60
Ethiopia	18
Fiji	1
Finland	66
France	200
East Germany	226
West Germany	275
Ghana	31
Great Britain	225
Greece	44
Guatemala	48
Guinea	15
Guyana	5
Honduras	6
Hong Kong	11
Hungary	167
Iceland	8
India	25
Indonesia	6
Iran	14
Iraq	3
Ireland	31
Israel	29
Italy	167
Ivory Coast	10
Jamaica	25
Japan	171
Kenya	39
South Korea	54
Kuwait	2
Lebanon	11
Libya	1
Liechtenstein	2
Luxembourg	5
Madagascar	4
Malaysia	31
Mali	2
Malta	1
Mexico	275
Monaco	2
Mongolia	16
Morocco	24
Netherlands	107
Netherlands Antilles	5
New Zealand	52
Nicaragua	11
Niger	2
Nigeria	36
Norway	46
Pakistan	15
Panama	16
Paraguay	1
Peru	28
Philippines	49
Poland	177
Portugal	20
Puerto Rico	58
Romania	82
San Marino	4
Senegal	21
Sierra Leone	3
Singapore	4
Soviet Union	312
Spain	122
Sudan	5
Suriname	1
Sweden	100
Switzerland	85
Syria	2
Taiwan	43
Tanzania	4
Thailand	41
Trinidad and Tobago	19
Tunisia	7
Turkey	29
Uganda	11
United States	357
Uruguay	27
Venezuela	23
Vietnam	9
Virgin Islands	6
Yugoslavia	69
Zambia	7

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "1968 Summer Olympics" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about 1968_summer_olympics while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

sierra madre occidental

twin peaks season 3

nova sport czech republic and slovakia

2018 sri lankan constitutional crisis

genetic recombination

hong kong–style milk tea

References

The Complete Book of the Olympics, 2012 edition, David Wallechinsky, Jaime Loucky, London, England, UK: Aurum Press Ltd, 2012, "Track & Field (Men): 1500 Meters," page 108.

Guinness World Records â First summer Olympic Games televised in colour

1968: Student riots threaten Mexico Olympics. BBC Sport. Retrieved on 3 July 2013.

Werner, Michael S., ed. Encyclopedia of Mexico: History, Society & Culture. Vol. 2 Chicago: Fitzroy Dearborn Publishers, 1997.

The Dead of Tlatelolco. The National Security Archive. Retrieved on 3 July 2013.

Postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic

A full list of references for this article are available at the 1968 Summer Olympics Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional historical or sports advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official Olympic records or seeking advice from sports historians or event organizers. Always refer to official documentation for definitive information.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Mexico City '68

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

🌍 Historic Location

🚀 Technological Advancements

⏳ Timing and Context

Host City Selection 🗳️

📜 The Bidding Process

Olympic Torch Relay 🔥

🗺️ A Journey Through History

Visual Identity 🎨

🌟 Emblem and Symbols

Athletic Highlights ✨

🏃 Track and Field Records

🤸 Gymnastics and Swimming

🥊 Boxing and Field Sports

🏅 Other Notable Performances

Significant Controversies ⚠️

✊ Black Power Salute

🇨🇿 Czech Gymnastics Protest

🇿🇦 South Africa's Exclusion

🕊️ Tlatelolco Massacre

Olympic Venues 🏟️

📍 Key Competition Sites

Sports Featured 🏅

🏊 Aquatic Disciplines

👟 Athletics and More

Participating Nations 🌍

👥 Global Representation

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Historic Location

Technological Advancements

Timing and Context

Host City Selection

The Bidding Process

Olympic Torch Relay

A Journey Through History

Visual Identity

Emblem and Symbols

Athletic Highlights

Track and Field Records

Gymnastics and Swimming

Boxing and Field Sports

Other Notable Performances

Significant Controversies

Black Power Salute

Czech Gymnastics Protest

South Africa's Exclusion

Tlatelolco Massacre

Olympic Venues

Key Competition Sites

Sports Featured

Aquatic Disciplines

Athletics and More

Participating Nations

Global Representation

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice