Peter Norman, bronze medalist, 1968 Olympic 200 meters, finally recognized for his support of racial equality

Peter Norman, Tommie Smith, John Carlos, photo from IOC

CANBERRA (AUS): Peter Norman, the Australian sprinter who shared the podium with the two “black power salute” athletes at the 1968 Olympics, has received a posthumous Order of Merit from the Australian Olympic Committee. Norman, who died in 2006, wore a badge supporting human rights while USA’s Tommie Smith and John Carlos, the 200m gold and silver medallists, raised a black-gloved fist in protest against race discrimination. He was later punished for his actions. BBC reports.

RunBlogRun opines: Peter Norman, twelve years after his death was recognized by the Australian Olympic committee, with the Order of Merit. Ironically, the AOC was part of the group that treated Mr. Norman poorly during his life. He was not selected for the 1972 Olympic team due to his support of Tommie Smith and John Carlos, as well as aboriginal rights in Australia. Nice for his family to see this, but it should have been done while Mr. Norman was alive.