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Six athlete protests that changed history

By Dave Stevenson

Tommie Smith and John Carlos, gold and bronze medalists in the 200-meter run at the 1968 Olympic Games, engage in a victory stand protest against unfair treatment of blacks in the United States. With heads lowered and black-gloved fists raised in the black power salute, they refuse to recognize the American flag and national anthem. Australian Peter Norman is the silver medalist.
Tommie Smith and John Carlos, gold and bronze medalists in the 200-meter run at the 1968 Olympic Games, engage in a victory stand protest against unfair treatment of blacks in the United States. With heads lowered and black-gloved fists raised in the black power salute, they refuse to recognize the American flag and national anthem. Australian Peter Norman is the silver medalist. /
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Mandatory Credit: Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Getty Images /

Muhammad Ali Refuses To Serve In Vietnam

Muhammad Ali changed history and inspired countless people when he refused to serve in the Vietnam War, citing his religion (Islam) as the basis for his protest. He nearly lost his entire career, and was even stripped of his heavyweight title. Think about that for a second. Ali was banned from boxing for over 40 months before his license was reinstated.

Considered the greatest boxer ever, Ali was also one of the most high-profile African American activists of the 20th century. In stark contrast to Joe Louis, Ali repeatedly spoke out against the mistreatment of African-Americans, serving as a positive role model for blacks at a time when the community needed one.

As great of a boxer as Ali was, he will always be remembered as having a passionate soul and for being an incredible humanitarian. He served as a hero and ambassador for not just African-Americans, but Muslims as well. Originally known as Cassius Clay, Ali changed his name to his Muslim name. That was one of the first times that a Muslim athlete in the United States showed pride in his religion.

His protest of Vietnam changed everything. Ali may have had a very aggressive way of doing things, but credit where credit is due: We still talk about it today, and likely will whenever we discuss athlete protests.