Yesterday marked an almost half century anniversary of one of the most impactful moments in sports history. Olympic gold medal sprinter, Tommie Smith, alongside John Carlos and the late but certainly not forgotten Peter Norman, made a towering stand for equality at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City.
Smith and Carlos, aiming to bring awareness to the many injustices hindering people of color, with heads bowed and black fists raised, delivered a powerful message on the grandest stage that still resonates today. Norman, also on the stand as the silver medalist Australian sprinter, stood in solidarity while also wearing a pin on his left breast that read “Olympic Project for Human Rights.” Time momentarily stood still during this moment on October 16, 1968.
One year prior, in 1967, PUMA introduced the Suede – largely their most famous shoe to date. To celebrate its 50th anniversary, and the famous men and women who’ve aligned with PUMA over the years like Tommie Smith, the famed Olympic hero is the centerpiece of their new campaign.
Smith was critical in helping shape the Suede into the icon it is today. Although he didn’t wear the shoe on the track in 1968 as he wore spikes, he carried a Suede out to the medal stand prior to his courageous stance of activism.
The 50th anniversary PUMA Suede campaign begins with Smith and continues through OG releases, new colorways, collaborations and more. The releases will begin on November 4 at select PUMA stores.
