‘Fists of Freedom: The Story of The ’68 Summer Games’ Premieres Today on HBO Max

Hallelujah! The 1999 documentary film Fists of Freedom: The Story of the '68 Summer Games finally launches on HBO Max on Wednesday, March 23.

Fists of Freedom showcases a combination of rare footage, including exclusive interviews and archival photos of the most notable sports moments of the 20th century. Among those featured are the 1968 U.S. Olympic athletes and other candidates Avery Brundage, Bob Seagren, Bud Greenspan, Bob Hayes, Dick Fosbury, John Carlos, Erv Hall, Lee Evans, Bob Beamon, Bill Toomey, Jim Hines, John Coatsworth, George Foreman, Hal Connolly, Harry Edwards, Michael Eric Dyson, Neil Amdur, Ralph Boston, Willie Davenport, Tommie Smith.

Expect to see all the events leading up to, during and after the 1968 Summer Olympics hosted in Mexico City. Also featured in the documentary is the fallout of the Olympic sprinters Carlos and Smith after their iconic gloved fist raise to symbolize “Black Power” on the victory stand.

So much went down at the 1968 U.S. Olympics that you just have to see for yourself in the documentary. But here is a brief of some of the candidates featured:

Bill Toomey: Gold medalist at the 1968 U.S. Olympic decathlon.

Harry Edwards: A professor and civil rights activist. 

George Foreman: Gold medalist at the 1968 U.S. Olympic boxing championship, well known for waving a tiny U.S. flag after his victory in the ring.

Lee Evans: Gold medalist at the 1968 U.S. Olympic sprint race. 

Larry James: Also a 1968 U.S. Olympic gold medalist sprinter.

Bud Greenspan: A filmmaker who documented the unforgettable events of the 1968 U.S. Summer Olympic Games.

I'm sure you'll enjoy every bit of what this 1-hour documentary has to offer.