Dr. Tommie Smith honored at the CIF State High School Track and Field Championships

Dr. Tommie Smith was honored at the 2012 CIF California State High School Track and Field Championships. As the announcer, I read this just before the running events started.

At the top of the victory stand is a true international track and field legend...200 meter gold medalist of the 1968 Mexico Olympics...from Lemoore High School...Dr. Tommie Smith! As a prep Tommie thrilled valley crowds at the West Coast Relays and Section Championship meets, and was the 1963 400 meter State Champion. He burst on the national and international scene in college when he turned San Jose State University into Speed City. His historic achievements make him an internationally distinguished figure in African American history. He is the only man in the history of track and field to hold eleven world records simultaneously and over his career tied or broke 13 world records.

In the summer of 1968, Tommie Smith won the 200 meter gold medal, breaking the Olympic Record. While of the victory stand he and teammate John Carlos raised a clinched fist during the medal presentation ceremony. This courageous, unexpected worldwide event propelled Tommie Smith into the spotlight as a human rights spokesman and symbol of African American pride at home and abroad. Cheered by some, jeered by others and ignored by many, Tommie made a commitment to dedicate his life to champion the cause of oppressed people.

Realizing the importance of education after earning his Bachelors of Arts degree from San Jose State University he obtained a Masters Degree in Sociology from Goddard College and was awarded an honorary doctorate from his alma mater San Jose State in 2005. Dr. Smith's courageous leadership and activism has earned him well deserved recognition, acclaim and awards including induction into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame, California Black Sports Hall of Fame, 1999 Sportsman of the Millennium, and Bay Area Hall of Fame to name just a few.

Dr. Smith has dedicated 37 years to education and teaching our children and continues serving our youth. In 2007 his autobiography "Silent Gesture" reminded us all of the courageous life he has led. Ladies and gentlemen please welcome track and field legend, Olympic Gold Medalist, Dr. Tommie Smith and his wife DeLois Jordan-Smith.

Welcome to Clovis and enjoy the meet.