55 YEARS FOR JUSTICE,
DIGNITY, EQUALITY, AND PEACE
PUMA CELEBRATES THE ANNIVERSARY OF TOMMIE SMITH'S ICONIC GESTURE AT THE 1968 OLYMPICS
October 16, 2023PUMA CELEBRATES THE ANNIVERSARY OF TOMMIE SMITH'S ICONIC GESTURE AT THE 1968 OLYMPICS
October 16, 2023Today, we commemorate 55 years since our PUMA athlete Tommie Smith raised his fist in the Silent Gesture at the 1968 Olympics. As we remember this iconic milestone in sports history, we are thrilled to mark the unforgettable occasion with our ‘Icons of Unity’ collection. To further celebrate the significance of that historical moment, we’re delighted to present an exclusive interview with three extraordinary PUMA athletes who discuss unity, resilience, and purpose.
In 1968, at the Mexico City Olympics, American sprinter Tommie Smith made history with his Silent Gesture. After receiving his gold medal for the 200-meter race, Smith raised a gloved fist in a powerful symbol against racial injustice and discrimination in the United States. Smith’s Silent Gesture remains a symbol of athlete activism and an enduring statement against social inequality.
Exclusive Insights from Sporting Legends
In a captivating video interview, we have the privilege of hearing from three remarkable PUMA athletes. Colin Jackson, former track and field athlete and Olympic silver medalist; Felix Streng, Paralympic gold and silver medalist, World and European Champion; and, of course, the legendary Tommie Smith, former track and field athlete and Olympic gold medalist, share their insights enduring importance of justice, equality, dignity and peace within the realm of sports. Their discussions touch upon Tommie Smith’s history with PUMA, being an icon and inspiration for others, as well as their future aspirations.
Tommie Smith, whose legacy has been deeply interwoven with PUMA, serves as an inspiration and a symbol of unity for many. During the interview he said:
"If a person is on the right track, that the track in front is already laid because all they have to do is follow what they already have in their mind to do. And that peace, justice, equality, and dignity certainly drives a person forward, especially our younger generation, like sitting here. It gives them an idea of: 'oh, maybe I am on the right track.' But you had to continue that track. Don't jump off of somebody else's track because the train might be coming your way. Just keep doing what you're doing and think with a positive attitude."
🎬 Watch the full interview below and delve into the stories and insights shared by these incredible athletes!
Justice, Dignity, Equality, and Peace: Our new ‘Icons of Unity’ Collection
At PUMA, our commitment to breaking down barriers in sports is unwavering. The ‘Icons of Unity’ collection perfectly embodies the spirit of Tommie Smith’s four core messages: Justice, Dignity, Equality, and Peace. The collection combines diverse graphic designs with timeless styles, illustrating our dedication to these values.
The ‘Icons of Unity’ collection is available starting from October 16th, 2023, on PUMA’s official website, selected PUMA stores, and participating retailers 🛒.
