Tommie Smith, John Carlos salute at 1968 Summer Olympics

The salute was one of the most overt political statements in the history of the Olympics, as two of the world's best athletes displayed the gesture on a global stage. Both athletes were later expelled from the Olympic Games after the gestures were labeled a form of protest.RANK: 44 LOCATION: Olympic Stadium | Mexico City, Mexico DATE: 10/16/1968 CATEGORY: Summer Olympics

After winning gold and silver (respectively) in the men's 200 meter, U.S. Olympians Tommie Smith and John Carlos used the podium to make a statement about "human rights." Each wore a black glove and raised a fist in the air during the medal ceremony, a gesture many interpreted as a Black Power salute. Smith later said it was a sign of solidarity with all those fighting for greater equality.