The image of Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Summer Olympics is one of the most powerful moments in not just sports history, but American history. With their gloved fists raised, they stood on the podium, silent in protest against the racial injustices of the times. Critics be damned, this righteous act of standing for what you believe in has become an iconic image in the continued fight for social justice.
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Smith and Carlos certainly made an impact on both running and the world that night in Mexico City, but the running program where they honed their craft has even more history in establishing this culture of courage. Speed City, the iconic San Jose State running program led by legendary coach Bud Winter, produced countless athletes that not only advanced the standards of running, but also continuously fought for social justice efforts, most notably through the creation of the Olympic Project for Human Rights and the 1968 Mexico City protest.
To honor the legacy of Speed City, both on and off the track, Puma and Tracksmith have teamed up for a limited-edition collection of running apparel and footwear. The Speed City Collection harkens back to the mid-century looks, inspired by archival images of the team’s signature uniforms and warm-up kits. The all-new lineup reimagines these pieces with modern performance and technical fabrics for a collaborative effort not typically seen in the sporting world.
“It’s frankly rare for two sporting brands to work together in this way, but we were both so inspired by this story and the possibility of presenting it through a unique approach to both product and storytelling,” says Tracksmith founder and CEO, Matt Taylor. “It’s no understatement to say that the Speed City program changed both running and the world. We’re proud to celebrate the legacy of these athletes who were at the forefront of both human performance and using their platform to drive social change.”
Puma
