Tommie Smith, John Carlos and Gwen Berry were part of a group of athletes, educators, activists and organizations who penned a letter to the International Olympic Committee asking it to forgo punishments for athletes who demonstrate at the Tokyo Olympics.
The IOC partially rolled back Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter, allowing participants to raise their fist or take a knee as long as it happened before an event begins.
Because those who demonstrate on the medal stand are still subject to punishment, the writers of Thursday's letter remained critical of the IOC.