Olympic moments often transcend sport , with political implications . Black power : Of all the many occasions on which the Games have been used as a stage for political dissent , however , few , if any , were as powerful or eloquent as the moment at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics when Tommie Smith and John Carlos stood on the winner 's podium and gave a Black Power salute in protest at continued racial oppression in their native United States . Modern games have provoked protests , and from terrorism . Olympics often have athletes stage to air attacks on society .
Olympic moments often transcend sport , with political implications . Modern games have provoked protests , and from terrorism . Olympics often have athletes stage to air attacks on society .