Gold medallist Tommie Smith (center) and bronze medalist John Carlos (right) raise their fists on the podium after the 200 m race at the 1968 Summer Olympics;

Gold medallist Tommie Smith (center) and bronze medalist John Carlos (right) raise their fists on the podium after the 200 m race at the 1968 Summer Olympics; / Wikimedia Commons

Two Georgia residents who competed in the 1968 Olympic games in Mexico City were honored by President Obama last week.  The pair are former Olympians who competed in the 1968 games in Mexico City. Tommie Smith took home the gold in the 200 meter dash, while John Carlos clenched the bronze. However, what happened on the awards podium was an even bigger headline. Smith and Carlos raised their gloved fists in a black power salute.  We talked with Tommie Smith and John Carlos about that iconic moment -- and being acknowledged by the President 48 years later. 
Tommie Smith discusses the importance of activism in sports.John Carlos says athletes have an obligation to publicly stand up to social injustice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnvCiKUlLAw

1968 US Olympic athletes Tommie Smith, right, and John Carlos, left, stand as they are recognized by President Barack Obama during a ceremony at the White House on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016.

1968 US Olympic athletes Tommie Smith, right, and John Carlos, left, stand as they are recognized by President Barack Obama during a ceremony at the White House on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. / The Associated Press

Tags: John Carlos  Tommie Smith  1968 Olympics  Atlanta  Georgia