Something in the Air: American Passion and Defiance in the 1968 Mexico City Olympics

Something in the Air chronicles the events surrounding the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, focusing on the American athletes who competed during this turbulent period in history. The book follows several key figures as they prepare for and participate in the Games against the backdrop of social upheaval, civil rights struggles, and political tension. Author Richard Hoffer examines the intersection of sports and activism through the stories of track stars Tommie Smith and John Carlos, as well as other athletes whose Olympic experiences became intertwined with the era's social movements. The narrative tracks their paths from qualification through competition, revealing the personal and public pressures they faced. Beyond the track and field events, the book explores the broader context of 1968, including the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy, Vietnam War protests, and calls for social change. The work illustrates how the Olympics became a global stage for both athletic achievement and political expression. Through these parallel stories of sport and protest, the book presents a complex portrait of a pivotal moment when athletics and social consciousness converged on an international platform. The themes of courage, conviction, and the role of athletes in society remain relevant to contemporary discussions of sports and activism.

Readers find the book provides a focused look at the civil rights and protest aspects of the 1968 Olympics, particularly the Black Power salute by Tommie Smith and John Carlos. Many note it captures the social and political climate well while maintaining readability. Readers appreciated: - The broader historical context beyond just the Olympic events - Details about lesser-known athletes and incidents - Clear explanation of how the Olympic Project for Human Rights developed Common criticisms: - Too much focus on track and field compared to other sports - Some sections drag with excessive biographical details - Limited coverage of international athletes' perspectives Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (126 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (41 ratings) One reader called it "an important story that needed more editing," while another praised how it "weaves together multiple narrative threads without losing focus." Several reviews mentioned wanting more about the Mexican student protests leading up to the Games.

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🏃‍♂️ At the 1968 Olympics, U.S. sprinter John Carlos competed in his iconic 200-meter race wearing black socks with no shoes to represent poverty in Black communities. 🥇 Author Richard Hoffer spent over 30 years as a senior writer at Sports Illustrated, covering multiple Olympic Games and developing expertise in Olympic history. ✊ The book details how the Olympic Project for Human Rights (OPHR) was formed in 1967, originally calling for a complete boycott of the 1968 Olympics by African American athletes. 🏃‍♀️ Czech gymnast Věra Čáslavská, featured in the book, silently turned her head down and away during the Soviet anthem at the medal ceremony, protesting the recent Soviet invasion of her country. 🌎 The 1968 Mexico City Olympics were the first Games held in Latin America and the first in a developing nation, taking place at an altitude of 7,349 feet above sea level - significantly impacting athletic performance.