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?Black Power Salute? Australian Sprinter Peter Norman Dies

Last Tuesday saw the untimely death of Australian sprinter, Peter Norman from a heart attack at the age of 68. Norman was probably best remembered for sharing the podium with Tommie Smith and John Carlos ? the two African-American sprinters who gave the ?black power? salute as the US national anthem was played in the 1968 Olympics.

The 1960s was a tumultuous decade for human rights efforts in the United States. Under the leadership of charismatic speakers such as Malcolm X. and Dr. Martin Luther King, African-American citizens demanded equal civil rights. The black power salute became the symbol for these demands and carried over into every sphere of society ? including sports. When Smith and Carlos won first and third place in the 200m sprint in the 1968 Olympics, they decided to make the biggest statement of their lives in front of the eyes of millions of spectators. As the national anthem was being played, the athletes stood on the podium, arms held high in the ?black power? salute, and heads bowed in protest of racial discrimination in their homeland.

Peter Norman, silver medallist for Australia wore a human rights badge in support of his fellow runners and their cause. The incident caused a wave of protest throughout the Olympics and the three athletes were sent home in disgrace. Norman never regretted his decision and went on to win five successive Australian 200m titles. His 20.6 seconds record title from the infamous 1968 Olympics remains the Australian record.