Iconic images from the Olympic Games

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Explore images of Olympic history as celebrated in Time Out's book Olympic Games Through a Lens

Mexico City 1968 - Time & Life Pictures / Getty Images

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In one of the most iconic images of the Olympic games, African-American sprinters Tommie Smith (centre) and John Carlos (right) protest against racial segregation in the United States. After accepting their gold and bronze medals for the 200m at Mexico 1968, the pair removed their shoes, raised black-gloved fists and hung their heads as the American national anthem played. Australian silver medallist Peter Norman wore a human rights badge in support. Smith and Carlos were booed as they left the stadium and expelled from the Olympic village. Both acted as pallbearers at Norman's funeral in 2006.

Find more memorable images and fascinating stories in Time Out's new book, 'Olympic Games Through a Lens', which is currently available in the Time Out Shop. The book is a photographic survey of the history of the Olympic Games to date, from Athens 1896 to Beijing 2008.

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