John Carlos is an American former track and field athlete, best known for his performance in the 1968 Summer Olympics held in Mexico City. He won a bronze medal in the 200 meters and is famous for his iconic protest during the medal ceremony, where he raised his fist in a Black Power salute to advocate for civil rights. Carlos was born on June 5, 1945, in New York City. His actions at the Olympics sparked significant discussion about race and politics in sports, making him a prominent figure in the history of athlete activism. He later became an advocate for social justice and equality.