Olympian And Black Power Saluter Tommie Smith Selling Gold Medal
This is just sad to see. ESPN reported that Tommie Smith—the Olympic gold medalist who will forever be remembered for his Black Power salute on the podium at the 1968 Olympics—is selling his gold medal.
The former San Jose State runner has put his gold medal for the 200 meters and spikes up for auction at New York–based M.I.T. Memorabilia. The bid starts at $250,000, and the sale is scheduled to close Nov. 4.
The 66-year-old Smith, who now lives in Georgia, declined comment to the San Jose Mercury News.
M.I.T.’s Gary Zimet says Smith is selling the medal for the money but also because he wants to share it with the public.
I don’t know about you, but I’m figuring it’s more about the money than sharing it with the public because, quite honestly, what does this do for the public? The fact of the matter is, Smith is an icon who will forever be remembered for his efforts in 1968. Individuals such as this shouldn’t be broke or need to sell something so significant to make a living while people like Paris Hilton—who do virtually nothing—remain well off. Call me jaded, but it just isn’t fair. There has to be a way to help Smith keep the gold he rightfully earned.
Great point but that medal isn’t going to feed him, his family or have him live the life he wants to live. As for remembering him, how many readers viewers of bet, allstarhiphop.com etc remember him? I think $250,000+ would help me get over the disappointment of a fan being sad that I sold my medal that I won 32yrs ago.
Are you a cretin? What “rule” of life says that “Individuals such as this shouldn’t be broke or need to sell something so significant to make a living”? I don’t know past his AFL football career what Mr. Smith did to earn a living, but it all pretty much comes down to whether he had a marketable set of skills to offer someone in exchange for a wage. If he didn’t then that’s just tough crap. I agree that Paris Hilton is a waste and only has money because of the parents to whom she was born, but I have news for you dude, and I’ll pause a moment so you can go get a pencil because you want to write this down: LIFE AIN’T FAIR, AND IT NEVER WILL BE. Tommie Smith is no more guaranteed a living based on his Olympic exploits any more than I am for my college degrees, so get over it – to posit such is just ignorant.
Hi, folks, it seems to me that he’s so terribly wrong on selling it, that I’m sad, too. The symbol of his victory. Nobody can steal it from him.
Tommy, you and your family are in my prayers and I’m asking to God give you all a nice and good life. Don’t give up on winning.You are a champion and champions don’t give up:Black Power forever!!!
Brother Smith can do whatever he wants to do with his stuff-metal or shoes or what have you. I just hope he doesn’t regret what he did. It was the greatest thing happening to young people at the time. It’s sad that no endorcements came along to help him out or T.V. networks with invitations to participate in shows. I hope it’s just age and wants to leave his family with some real earnings for his work. peace brother