The XIX Olympiad in Mexico City was as dedicated to political activism as to athletic excellence. The participation of South Africa was a controversy that grew in significance as the date of the games approached. At first the South Africans were invited. Then when threatened boycotts by black African nations and black athletes in the United States seemed likely to disrupt the games, the IOC voted to recommend that South Africa decline the invitation, effectively barring their participation. In the United States athlete-sociologist Harry Edwards organized the Olympic Project for Human Rights to coordinate protest movements by black American athletes, and when some members of his group agreed to participate in the games after the South African invitation was rescinded, Edwards promised a protest.
Meanwhile in the host city there was open fighting in the streets. Mexican students protesting the betrayal of revolutionary ideals.....
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