Olympic Games Opening (1968-10-12) by Héctor GarcíaMaria and Hector Garcia Foundation
Latin American splendor
With more than 5,500 athletes and 112 nations competing – including both Germanies for the first time – the 19th Olympic Games were the first to be held in Latin America, showing the world that Mexico was ready for a bright future.
Men's Athletics Competition (1968-10-15/1968-10-18) by Héctor GarcíaMaria and Hector Garcia Foundation
The historic route of the Olympic flame
These were the first Olympic Games in which a woman, Enriqueta Basilio, lit the Olympic cauldron. Interestingly, the route the flame followed from Athens to the stadium was the same one Christopher Columbus took during his discovery of America.
Olympic Games Opening (1968-10-12) by Héctor GarcíaMaria and Hector Garcia Foundation
Unique portraits of Mexico 1968
The renowned photographer Héctor García was chosen by the Olympic Committee to portray Mexico 1968. He did so by taking color transparencies, a series of never-before-seen photographs that capture the magic of the Olympic spirit.
Men's 1,500 meter Race Competition (1968-10) by Héctor GarcíaMaria and Hector Garcia Foundation
Drama at altitude
Mexico 1968 was also unique as a sports competition, as it was the only Olympic Games to be held at an altitude like that of Mexico City. This helped some athletes set records, but hindered others.
Women's High Jump Competition (1968-10) by Héctor GarcíaMaria and Hector Garcia Foundation
A historic jump at Mexico 1968
Bob Beamon became a legend in the long jump. Not only is his 8.90 meters a current Olympic record, but the device used to measure the distance was not equipped to reach his mark, so they had to use a tape measure.
High Jump Competition (1968-10-16) by Héctor GarcíaMaria and Hector Garcia Foundation
The Fosbury Flop: A new era
Another athlete who stood out in this competition was Dick Fosbury, an engineering student who developed his own technique for the high jump. Now known as the 'Fosbury Flop,' the technique revolutionized the sport, earning him a gold medal and an Olympic record of 2.24 m.
Olympic Games Opening (1968-10-12) by Héctor GarcíaMaria and Hector Garcia Foundation
Historic union
The Mexico 1968 Olympic Games were very controversial at the time due to the political atmosphere involving protests for human rights and the war happening in the world. Despite this, they were historic games full of unique events and fraternity.
Obstacle Race Competition (1968-10) by Héctor GarcíaMaria and Hector Garcia Foundation
The historic protest at Mexico 1968
Perhaps Mexico 1968 is most remembered for the protest by the Americans Tommy Smith and John Carlos, who raised their fists in protest for the respect of human rights when their country's flag was raised to celebrate their medals.
Women's Long Jump Medal Ceremony (1968-10-14) by Héctor GarcíaMaria and Hector Garcia Foundation
The cultural footprint of the Olympic Games
In the end, the Olympic Games are the festival of the world's youth, an opportunity to leave a cultural footprint. The youth of the future can see and find, in the youth of other cultures, traits that unite and enrich them as humans.
Baron Pierre de Coubertin: Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a harmonious whole the qualities of the body, will, and spirit.
Olympic Games Opening (1968-10-12) by Héctor GarcíaMaria and Hector Garcia Foundation
Mexico 1968: Everything is Possible in Peace
Experience, origin, and common hope are the starting point; improving human coexistence is the goal.
