Rest in Peace


I forget how young I was when I first remember seeing the unforgettable image of Tommie Smith and John Carlos raising gloved fists...it wasn't when it happened in 1968...it was probably shortly thereafter, and most definitely made an impression on an impressionable kid.

Smith and Carlos are both fine, but the third person in the picture--Australian sprinter Peter Norman--died two days ago. I had no idea he was also a participant in the action:

Norman ran the race of his life to claim the silver medal in the 200 metres at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics in 20.06 seconds, a time that still stands as the Australian record.

But it was his support of the black power protest by US runners Tommie Smith and John Carlos on the medal dais that cemented his place in sporting history.

Smith and Carlos, barefooted and each wearing a single black glove, bowed their heads in silent protest at racial discrimination in the United States while the Star Spangled Banner was being played.

Norman, who was a Salvation Army Officer, was one of the few people who knew in advance what Smith and Carlos planned to do.

In support of their protest he wore an Olympic Project for Human Rights badge.

It was also Norman's suggestion that Smith and Carlos wear one glove apiece after Carlos forgot to bring his gloves to the podium.

The two Americans were sent home in disgrace the following day by the US Olympic Committee under pressure from the International Olympic Committee.

Many Americans were harshly critical of the protest, misinterpreting it as being supportive of the Black Panthers.

Norman was cautioned by Australian team chef de mission Judy Patching, but was allowed to remain with the team in Mexico City.

"I believe in civil rights, every man is born equal and should be treated that way," he said.