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SJSU Descriptive Feature

Tommie Smith and John Carlos stand in the middle of the lawn imposing and inspiring the students at San Jose State University.

They stand upon a concrete Olympic podium with their figures rendered in cast metal and tracksuits recreated in beautiful blue and red tile.

Smith stands on the gold medalist's spot and Carlos stands in the bronze medalist's spot while the silver medalist's spot is left with a plaque dedicated to Peter Norman.

A white button adorns both of the medalist's track suits with the words, "Olympic Human Rights Project."

Gold and bronze medals adorn Smith and Carlos' chests, respectively.

The button is validated by the poses of Smith and Carlos who stand with their fists held high and head bowed low.

Smith's hand carries an olive branch while Carlos' is tucked behind his back while flashing a thumbs up.

The duo have also removed their shoes revealing black socks cast in iron.

The shoes are set to the edge of the podium with rainwater filling it up occasionally.

The tiles of the tracksuits have been chipped away through a combination of vandalism and the weather, but have been repaired and restored as soon as they were damaged.

The 22-foot statue has become a source of fun for children.

Grade school children run around and climb the statue leaving their muddy footprints behind on the Olympic podium.

The statue has been weathered over the years, but the wear and tear creates a comfortable and approachable feel to onlookers.


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