The choice of Mexico City to host the 1968 Olympic Games proved to be a controversial one because of the city's high altitude above sea level: 2,300m. It was the first times the Games had taken place in Latin America, and the altitude proved an advantage in the events which needed a brief, but intense effort, such as short-distance running (up to 800m), jumping, throwing and weightlifting. But the rarefied air proved disastrous for those competing in endurance events that lasted longer than two minutes, such as long-distance and middle-distance running, swimming and cycling.
The high altitude led to world records in all of the men’s races that were 400m or shorter, plus the long jump and triple jump. Probably the most memorable achievement was Bob Beamon’s spectacular long jump of 8.90m—a world record that would last for 22 years.
Mexican hurdler Enriqueta Basilio became the first woman to light the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony. Wyomia Tyus of the U.S. became the first athlete to win the 100m twice. Dick Fosbury won the men’s high jump with a new jumping style now known as the “Fosbury Flop”, and for the first time, winners had to undergo a doping test (narcotics, stimulants).
Drama and Beauty
The Games were blessed with many outstanding heroines, but none more so than Vera Caslavska. The attractive and vivacious Czech gymnast won four golds and two silver medals. Her victories were dramatic: defeating Soviet gymnasts two months after the Soviet invasion of her homeland.
NOCs: 112
Athletes: 5,516 (781 women, 4,435 men)
Events: 172
Volunteers: N/A
Media: N/A
The German Athletes
The athletes from the German Democratic Republic competed in their own team under the name of “East Germany”. It was only in 1972 that they took part under the official name of their country, “German Democratic Republic”.
In the Footsteps of Columbus
The itinerary of the Olympic torch relay followed in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus, tracing the route of his first journey from Spain to the New World.
A Special Year
The year 1968 was extremely important from a political point of view. The People’s Republic of China found itself in the midst of the Cultural Revolution. The attempt to liberalize Czechoslovakia was crushed by Soviet troops. The French government was caught up in student demonstrations, and throughout the United States, peace and civil rights demonstrations were taking place. Mexico was not forgotten in this wave of revolution: students and teachers were on strike and held large protest rallies, bloodily repressed at the Square of Three Cultures.
“Black Power”
Over and above winning medals, the Black American athletes made names for themselves by an act of racial protest. During the medal presentation ceremony, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, gold and bronze medal winners in the 200m, raised a black-gloved fist and hung their heads when their country’s national anthem was played. In doing this, they were protesting against racial segregation in the United States and were subsequently expelled from the Olympic Village.
The Appearance of Tartan
A synthetic material (tartan) was used for the first time on the athletics track.
Official Timing
The athletics, cycling, rowing, canoe, swimming and equestrian competitions were timed manually and electronically. For the first time, the electronic time was the official one.
Ceremonies
12 October 1968, Mexico, Opening Ceremony. Enriqueta Basilio de Sotelo (MEX) climbs with the Olympic torch.
Official Opening of the Games by:
President Gustavo Diaz Ordaz
Lighting the Olympic Flame by:
Norma Enriqueta Basilio de Sotelo (athletics)
Olympic Oath by:
Pablo Lugo Garrido (athletics)
Officials' Oath by:
The officials' oath at an Olympic Summer Games was first sworn in 1972 in Munich.
