Ted Haydon Understood the Truth.

Ted's shirt design

The 1968 Olympics in Mexico City began forty-seven years ago today, the quadrennial event a unique one in athletic history, some of this designation for the twenty-four world records which were set in the high altitude of the capital city. But these performances weren't the only reason for the notoriety.

It was also labeled as such because of the protests on the awards stand - most notably by Tommie Smith and John Carlos - and because of student riots only days before the Games, where estimates of students killed in the protests ranged from forty-four to over five hundred.

Twelve years later, in 1980, Jimmy Carter's unpopular decision to boycott the Moscow Olympics was widely disparaged, University of Chicago Track Club members Mike Durkin and Colin Anderson missing out an opportunity to represent the US in the world's most prestigious competition. For Durkin it was his second selection but for Anderson it was a tarnished opportunity of a lifetime.

Ted Haydon was always known for his mediation skills and willingness to defend both sides in most arguments, rarely one to publicly disparage anyone for their views. Yet in 1980, the sixty-eight year old UCTC coach did just that, printing a limited number of t-shirts expressing his view of Carter's edict, coming down strongly against the president's action. A strong advocate for the rights of athletes, he was never afraid to speak his mind, maintaining athletes should always come first.

Although none of the shirts can be found, former club member Ron Wiens vividly recalled the design on his gray t-shirt, an "X" superimposed over an existing design of the Olympic rings. Ted may have supported many of Carter's policies, but this was one he clearly didn't, adamant enough that he went out of his way to show the displeasure.

"The most ironic thing (about being on the US Olympic team) was racing against Soviet athletes in Europe after the Games had concluded." Said Mike Durkin. "Everyone got along...the way sports is supposed to be, but it was strange."

Maybe there is a lesson to be learned in this story. That we need to listen more to the people on the ground and less to the rhetoric of talking heads who only like the sound of their voices.