Buzzmaster

  (3:50 PM)

John Carlos, bronze medalist in the 1968 Olympics, stops by to take your questions at the top of the hour!

Buzzmaster

  (4:14 PM)

Hang on folks.

William (Florida)

How often do you reflect on what you did back in 1968?

John Carlos

  (4:24 PM)

It's not a matter of reflection, it's about a constant curiosity of society.

Frank (Denver)

How did you guys plan what you wanted to do on the podium?

John Carlos

  (4:25 PM)

We got together after the semi and decided that we wanted to make some sort of statement. 30 minutes before what we went out to the podium, we established what kind of statement we wanted to make.

Jeremy (New Orleans)

What was the biggest black history story of your era, other than your own experience and how did it shape you?

John Carlos

  (4:26 PM)

Probably a guy I look at most in my young life was Paul Robeson, in terms of his intellect, his arts that he had. He was a Rhodes Scholar, movie star. This man was the first well rounded black individual that I had come across at that time. We had so many guys that I came across in Harlem. To have Jackie Robinson come into my father's shoe shop and other guys from the Dodgers. All of these guys were inspirational to me, but Paul was the first one that caught my eye.

John Carlos

  (4:27 PM)

Of course, my father as well. He was more inspirational than anyone.

Steve (NYC)

Would you do it all over again?

John Carlos

  (4:27 PM)

In a heart beat.

Will (Chicago)

How do you feel the climate is in the sports world today? Have we grown since your days?

John Carlos

  (4:27 PM)

We've grown silent since my day. It looks like it's more about sport and money than about social issues.

Kevin (Boston)

Were you glad to have Peter Norman participate with you guys on the podium?

John Carlos

  (4:28 PM)

We were extremely glad to have Peter involved. People tried to make this a black thing, but it was a humanitary act. We just happened to be two black individuals. It was for all humanity. It was for who we are on this earth. It was a godsend to have Peter be one young white kid in that race. There could have been a thousand different white guys that could have had a different frame of mind.

Matt (IN)

Mr. Carlos, I asked Tommie this, so now it's your turn: What was going through your mind when you were up there on that podium? Did you ever second guess your actions? Thanks.

John Carlos

  (4:30 PM)

No second guess whatsoever. A number of things went through my mind. The first thing was the vision I had in my head. I thought about what my father told me he experienced in the first World War. What Dr. King had to say. Running through the street and talking to Malcolm X. Thinking if this would be something to push America to bigger and better things.

Steve (Boston)

do you think athletes today are too silent on social issues?

John Carlos

  (4:31 PM)

Yes, I think they're too laid back. It's fantastic that they make the money they make. Everyone's not meant to be a basketball player or track guy. Every day people need to have encouragement to strive to be the best individuals they can be in life. I think athletes have a moral obligation to society other than just an athletic one.

John (Philadelphia)

Hey John Carlos, big fan! Just wondering who your favorite Olympic Athlete is these days?

John Carlos

  (4:32 PM)

Probably Shani Davis right now. To be a young black individual in the Winter Olympics, it's like me seeing pictures of the presidents on the wall when I was in school and thinking that I have no one up there that's like me. But to have Shani Davis doing what he's doing, he's my superstar in the Olympics.

Brett (Louisville)

John, it's been reported that your medal from '68 was stripped away. Is this true?

John Carlos

  (4:33 PM)

No, it was not stripped away. It was propaganda that was put out there to stop people that might think outside of the box. The athletes that go to the Olympics strive for the medal and they were saying they'd take it away.

Kyle (VA)

How often do you and Tommie see each other?

John Carlos

  (4:34 PM)

We see each other, but not often. I'm still in California and Tommie is living in Georgia.

John Carlos

  (4:34 PM)

I wish you all much love and success in life. Seek out your education and your dreams.