Historical Events
- American swimmer Jan Henne in 1:00.0 leads American sweep of the women's 100m freestyle medals at the Mexico City Olympics; team mates Susan Pedersen & Linda Gustavson both swim 1:00.3 for minor medals
- Australian swimmer Michael Wendon sets world record 52.2s to win the blue ribband men's 100m freestyle gold medal at the Mexico City Olympics
- Derry Citizen's Action Committee, formed Oct 9, stages illegal sit-down at Guildhall Square as part of large civil disobedience campaign
- Golden Gate Bridge charges tolls only for southbound cars
- New Zealand scores an upset victory in the men's coxed four rowing final at the Mexico City Olympics; beats favoured East German crew by 2.58s; first ever rowing gold medal for the Kiwis
- The West German crew beats Australia by just 0.9s to win the men's eights rowing gold medal at the Mexico City Olympics
Famous Birthdays
- Sinitta, British-American singer (So Macho, Toy Boy), born in Seattle, Washington