Something in the Air: American Passion and Defiance in the 1968 Mexico City Olympics

I got interested in this book while reading an excerpt in a recent issue of Sports Illustrated. I had extremely high hopes for this book, but was somewhat disappointed. Being born in 1970, I obviously have no personal recollection of the 1968 Olympics, but long remembered hearing about Bob Beamon's historic long jump and Tommie Smith and John Carlos' defiance on the medal stand. The opportunity to learn even more about the Mexico City against the backdrop of the turbulence and upheaval that was 1968 was irrestible. My main criticism of Hoffer's book is that it is quite uneven. There are some strong parts, specifically the chapters about Fosbury, Smith and Carlos. On the other hand, his coverage of Beamon and Foreman did not provide nearly the depth and dimension that I expected and was a letdown when compared to the previously mentioned athletes. By far the most enlightening part of the book centered on Avery Brundage, an American who was head of the IOC. Brundage tried to maintain iron-fisted control of the Games and keep absolute order in what was the first Olympics in a developing nation --- and before the vast commercialization that the Olympics have become today. Overall, Hoffer's book is a solid contribution, but has enough holes to only be 4 stars. It is a quick read and contains enough back stories to be worth the time.

Well lets start out by counting how many political things were happenning that summer that had nothing to do with the actual sport of competing with other nations best track and Olympic stars in various sports such as boxing with a young George Foreman walking around with an American flag. Great human interest stories on the historic two weeks of competition and reviews of winners as well as the losers who trained their whole life for Olympic glory! Its a facinating read for the olympic fan as well as stories of hyuman sacifice and training. i know that i could not put the book down as a quick paced style of writing. Run for the gold and pick it up today.

Well worth the time, this relatively brief look at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics gives the reader an enticing look into what may have been the first truly modern Games. The famous medal stand gloved protest by Tommie Smith and John Carlos is given full treatment, but other revealing stories are told concerning George Foreman, Dick Fosbury (of the famous "Flop") and others. A terrific read and highly recommended!