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Vince Matthews win the 400m at the 1972 Munich Olympics
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Vince Matthews win the 400m at the 1972 Munich Olympics
Athletics - 1972 Munich Olympics - Mens 400m Final
USAs Vince Matthews (#999; right) wins the race in 44.66 with compatriot Wayne Collett (#978) second in 44.80 in the Olympiastadion, Munich, West Germany. Third is Kenyas Julius Sang (#587), and also pictured is West Germanys Karl Honz, who was seventh.
The success was overshadowed by the suspension of Matthews and Collett by the IOC after the medal ceremony, where they were talking to each other and fidgeting while the US national anthem played, leading many to believe it was a Black Power protest like that of Tommie Smith and John Carlos in 1968.
Collett stated afterwards " I couldn t stand there and sing the words because I don t believe they re true. I wish they were. I believe we have the potential to have a beautiful country, but I don t think we do."
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This powerful print captures the momentous victory of Vince Matthews in the 400m final at the 1972 Munich Olympics. Running with determination and skill, Matthews (#999) crosses the finish line in an impressive time of 44.66, securing first place for Team USA. His compatriot Wayne Collett (#978) follows closely behind, claiming second position with a time of 44.80. The Olympiastadion in Munich serves as the backdrop to this historic race, witnessed by thousands of spectators from around the world. The image also features Julius Sang (#587) from Kenya, who finishes third, showcasing his remarkable athleticism on this grand stage. Additionally captured is West Germany's Karl Honz, who placed seventh. However, amidst their well-deserved triumphs, Matthews and Collett faced controversy following their suspension by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). During the medal ceremony, they engaged in conversation and displayed restlessness while their national anthem played. This led many to draw parallels between their actions and the iconic Black Power protest carried out by Tommie Smith and John Carlos during the 1968 Olympics. In response to these allegations, Collett expressed his refusal to sing along with words he believed were untrue about America's equality and potential as a nation: "I couldn't stand there and sing. . . I don't think we do [have a beautiful country]". This poignant moment reminds us that even within moments of celebration and achievement lies an opportunity for athletes to use their platform to
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