“Biblically, athletes with superior attributes were seen as gifts from God. He’s the sports world Geiger counter, exposing the truth and protecting the fan from first, second, and third degree burns.” He shows us that the one day that made him famous was only the most outward and visible sign of a touching and thoughtful life.”įrank Deford, author and sports commentator on NPR’s Morning Edition “John Carlos’s life story is an insightful and gripping look at the times he lived and the Olympics he helped make so memorable. Robert Lipsyte, author of An Accidental Sportswriter “In this breathlessly readable tale, John Carlos finally steps out of that iconic photograph to become the vibrant, fascinating hero we never really knew.” Yet it is only in this powerful and poignant memoir that we learn of what and who made him who he is.”

In fact, his fame derives from his courage, excellence and fortitude. His incredible political courage, indisputable athletic excellence and indestructible spiritual fortitude set him apart from most contemporary celebrities. “John Carlos is one of the grand figures of the 20th century. Michael Eric Dyson, author of I May Not Get There With You: The True Martin Luther King Jr. This is an inspiring and eloquent story about a great American whose commitment to truth, justice and democracy were tested and found true.” Carlos’ athletic genius on the field is matched by his heroic will to overcome trials and tribulations in his personal life, and to find resurrection in his professional life. “ The John Carlos Story is the remarkable chronicle of an epic life sketched against the defining crisis of race in America. The John Carlos Story was an NAACP Image Award Nominee for Outstanding Literary Work Biography/Autobiography. Here is the remarkable story of one of the men behind the salute, lifelong activist John Carlos. Yet their show of defiance remains one of the most evocative images of Olympic history and the Black Power movement.

Seen around the world, John Carlos and Tommie Smith’s Black Power salute on the 1968 Olympic podium sparked controversy and career fallout.

The john carlos story pdf