Historical Events
- American Dick Fosbury using his unconventional technique wins the men's high jump gold medal with 2.24m at the Mexico City Olympics; "Fosbury Flop" becomes accepted most efficient technique
World Record
American sprinter Jim Hines anchors US men's 4 x 100m relay team to win his second gold medal at the Mexico City Olympics; with teammates Charles Greene, Mel Pender & Ronnie Ray Smith sets world record 38.24s
Music Premiere
Ervin Drake's musical "Her 1st Roman", based on George Bernard Shaw's play "Caesar and Cleopatra", opens at Lunt Fontanne Theater, NYC; runs for 17 performances
- Kenyan runner Kip Keino wins 1,500m gold medal at the Mexico City Olympics in 3:34.91 despite a severe gall bladder infection
- Mamo Wolde wins 16th Olympic marathon (2:20:26.4)
- Margitta Gummel of East Germany throws world record 19.61m to beat teammate Marita Lange by 0.83m and win the women's shot put gold medal at the Mexico City Olympics
- US men's 4 x 400m relay team of Vincent Matthews, Ron Freeman, Larry James & Lee Evans runs world record 2:56.16; easily beats Kenya & West Germany into the minor medals at the Mexico City Olympics
- US women's 4 x 100m relay team sets world record 42.88s to win the gold medal at the Mexico City Olympics; Margaret Bailes, Barbara Ferrell, Mildrette Netter & Wyomia Tyus
Famous Birthdays
- Raymond Biggs, Canadian CFL linebacker (Calgary Stampeders), born in Toronto, Ontario
- Sunny Hostin, American lawyer, journalist and TV host (The View), born in New York City
Famous Weddings
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
Jacqueline Kennedy marries Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis on the island of Scorpios
Famous Deaths
- Bud Flanagan [Chaim Reuben Weintrop], English comedian (duo with Chesney Alley), dies at 72
- Lightfoot Solomon Michaux, African-American TV preacher, dies at 84
About October 20, 1968
Day of the Week: Sunday
How Long Ago? 54 years, 11 months and 6 days
Leap Year: Yes
Generation: Generation X
Chinese Zodiac: Monkey
Star Sign: Libra
Music Charts
#1 Song: Hey Jude - The Beatles
#1 Song: Those Were The Days - Mary Hopkin
