Autographed “Silent Gesture,” the Autobiography of Olympic Champion Tommie Smith.
Lot 365. Autographed “Silent Gesture,” the Autobiography of Olympic Champion Tommie Smith. At the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City, Smith won the Gold Medal in the 200-meter dash in record time. Teammate John Carlos finished third to earn the Bronze Medal. During their medal-presentation ceremony, as the U.S. National Anthem was being played, each man raised a black-gloved fist, the Black Power salute, to protest injustice and racism against African Americans. Smith’s book describes what led to his controversial gesture, the backlash against him and his life beyond the Olympics. The 2007 hardback first edition, written with “Baltimore Sun” sports columnist David Steele, is nm-m in an ex-m+ dust jacket. Smith’s autograph on the title pages is large and bold, mint 9 to gem mint 10, and PSA/DNA Pre-Certified. His human rights statement is widely recognized beyond the world of sports. Winning Bid $68.
