Sport-On this day: Born June 6, 1944: Tommie Smith, American sprinter

FILE PHOTO: Born on June 6, 1944: Tommie Smith, American sprinter Tommie Smith poses at the Puma Headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany September 18, 2018. REUTERS/Emma Thomasson/File Photo

(Reuters) - Tommie Smith was once among the fastest men on the planet but it is the raised-fist protest he took part in at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, a gesture that became a symbol of the civil rights era, that he remains most known for.

After breaking the 200 metres world record, Smith and fellow American John Carlos, who finished third, stood on the podium in black socks with their heads bowed and black-gloved fists in the air during the playing of the U.S. national anthem.