I was n't acting any differently than I usually do , but we were like goldfish in a fishbowl , in front of all those people . If they wanted me to stand at attention , I could 've probably done that , but it would n't be me , and I was led to believe that the Olympics was for the athlete . We consider ourselves athletes , not politicians , or marching bands . Our athletic competition was over , and we were both happy . Both runners received a lifelong ban from the IOC . This banning forced the US to scratch from the 4x400 metres relay where the Americans would be favored to win . Both runners were eventually elected to the Black Olympian Hall of Fame . This display by the athletes would be overshadowed by the Munich massacre . Collett went on to become a lawyer . In 2011 , Matthews was elected to the USATF Hall of Fame
Munich massacre
Munich massacre
1972 Olympics Black Power salute