Athletics at the 1968 Ciudad de México Summer Games:

The favorite in 1968 was Vera Nikolić of Yugoslavia, who was the world record holder (2:00.5) and had won the 1966 European Championship. She won the first heat in round one. In the semi-final, she led for 300 metres and then oddly stepped off the track, walking back to the start line where she sat down and took off her shoes. There were many explanations given, but the actual reasons are not known. Some said she was overcome by psychological pressure, driven too hard by her coach, while others said the rarified air of México had her struggling for oxygen. But with Nikolić out, the way was open for America's Madeline Manning, who had won the 1967 AAU in 2:03.6. But the favorite's in the final probably fell to Dutchwoman Mia Gommers. In the final Manning went to the lead at the bell and nobody could pass her, as she won by almost 15 metres in an Olympic record 2:00.9. Romania's Ileana Silai edged Gommers for the silver.