At the 1968 Summer Olympics , in Mexico City , two American track and field athletes , Tommie Smith ) ) and John Carlos , who finished first and third in the 200 meter sprint race , performed the Black Power salute on the podiuem . At the 1968 Summer Olympics , in Mexico City , two American track and field athletes , Tommie Smith and John Carlos , who finished first and third in the 200 meter sprint race , performed the Black Power salute on the victory stand .