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Olympic icons reflect on greatness at the Pettit Center

Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Tommie Smith, and John Carlos are Track and Field legends.

Summer Olympic legends visited the Pettit Center over the summer. TMJ4's Andrea Williams sat down with them to talk about what it takes to be an Olympian.

By: Andrea Williams

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MILWAUKEE — As the countdown to the Winter Olympics begins, the spotlight shines on legends of the past who have paved the way for today's athletes.

Recently, Olympic icons Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Tommie Smith, and John Carlos visited the Pettit Center in Milwaukee while in town for the Fellowship Open. The Pettit Center is synonymous with winter athletic excellence.

A Walk Down Memory Lane

Joyner-Kersee, a six-time Olympic medalist and holder of the women’s heptathlon world record, reminisced about her time as an Olympian, sharing how it brought back fond memories of fellow Olympians. “You know, it brings back so many memories—friends like Bonnie Blair and Dan Jansen, people I know who trained here. To see all the flags…” she reflected.

t: Nick Thometz, Eric Flaim, Bonnie Blair, Dan Jansen

The Mindset of Champions

Joyner-Kersee also highlighted the importance of giving back to the community and upholding a legacy. “It's not about how fast you are, but how you can find ways to give back and also continue that legacy,” she said, illustrating the mindset that defines true greatness.

USA's Jackie Joyner-Kersee, of Canoga Park, Calif., reacts to the crowd Monday, Aug. 3, 1992 in the Summer Olympic Stadium in Barcelona after being awarded the gold medal in the Heptathlon. The event was held Sunday. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

Cold Reflections

Temperatures inside the Pettit Center are cold all year long—so Joyner-Kersee was also reminded of something else: “We did the Summer Olympics, not the Winter, right? Tommie Smith chimed in: "My little fingers are frozen!”

Watch: Olympic icons reflect on greatness at the Pettit Center

Olympic legends visit Pettit Center

Dr. John Carlos, whose protest at the 1968 Olympics remains one of the most powerful moments in sports history, also shared his thoughts outside the chilly Pettit Center. Alongside Tommie Smith, Carlos made a stand for human rights by raising his fist on the victory podium in Mexico City.

USOPC Protests — FILE - In this Oct. 16, 1968, file photo, U.S. athletes Tommie Smith, center, and John Carlos extend gloved hands skyward in racial protest during the playing of national anthem after Smith received the gold and Carlos the bronze for the 200 meter run at the Summer Olympic Games in Mexico City. Australian silver medalist Peter Norman is at left. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee will allow raised fists and kneeling during the national anthem at upcoming Olympic trials. The USOPC released a nine-page document to offer guidance about the sort of “racial and social demonstrations” that will and won't be allowed by the hundreds of athletes who will compete for spots on the U.S. team in various sports. (AP Photo/File)

Inspiring the Next Generation

Carlos emphasized the importance of inspiring young athletes and people in general to believe in themselves and their potential. “You have to set a paradigm for young kids—that's not even here yet, not even thought of yet. When they come in, they can say, 'I feel this tunnel. I feel this grace. I feel that I can be truly what God intended for me to be,'” he explained.

A Legacy of Love and Life

Smith echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude for being part of such a significant historical moment. “I'm just so happy, proud, and joyous to be a part of history with great people who understand love and life,” he stated.

Tommie Smith, John Carlos — U.S. Olympic medallists Tommie Smith, left, and John Carlos hold up their fists at the Mexican Olympic Committee building in Mexico City, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008. Forty years ago, Smith and Carlos, who won gold and bronze respectively in the 200 meter run at the Summer Olympic Games in Mexico City, bowed their heads and raised a gloved fist at the winners podium as the US national anthem played, to protest against US racial discrimination. Both are in Mexico City for the anniversary of their famous Black Power salute.(AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

As we stand just 100 days away from the Winter Olympics, the Pettit Center serves as a powerful reminder that greatness doesn't melt with the seasons—it simply changes form.

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