More than 50 years after banning him for his low-key racial injustice protest at the Munich Olympics, the International Olympic Committee says it will allow American gold-medal sprinter Vince Matthews back at the games.
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee was copied in on a letter from the IOC, which said it would allow the 75-year-old Matthews to attend future Olympics.The Americans Matthews and Wayne Collett, both Black men, finished 1-2 in the 400 meters in 1972. While the “Star-Spangled Banner” played during their medals ceremony,. Matthews rubbed his goatee, crossed his arms and shifted his feet.
“For maybe six or seven years, I’ve stood at attention while the anthem has been played out, but I just can’t do it with a clear conscience any more the way things are in our country,” Collett said.“People are standing at attention and they want you to stand at attention, too, and forget the things around you. It’s impossible,” he said.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
U.S. says Russian athletes should be allowed at 2024 OlympicsThe chair of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee board of directors says Russian and Belarusian athletes should be allowed at the 2024 Paris Olympics, as long as they do not compete under their nations’ flags or colors.
Read more »
In Kenya, some Maasai turn from lion-killing to OlympicsKenya’s most identifiable community is abandoning spear-aided lion hunting for a modern javelin competition at a biannual event called the Maasai Olympics
Read more »
De Rigo to Acquire Rodenstock EyewearItalian eyewear specialist De Rigo SpA said Monday it is taking over Rodenstock’s Eyewear division.
Read more »
Germany and Austria travel: Mountain backdrops and Christmas marketsOn trip to Germany, view from atop Munich church helps savor the region's holiday...
Read more »