This is one of the most famous moments in Olympic Sport. LIFE magazine and Le Monde named it one of the 20 most influential images of the 20th century.
Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their gloved fists to express opposition to racism in the U.S.
But who’s that other guy? The silver medalist at the Olympics?
Australian sprinter Peter Norman.
… What you cannot see in the photo is that Norman was wearing a badge that read: “Olympic Project For Human Rights,” which he had borrowed from Paul Hoffman, a white member of the U.S. rowing team.
“I believe that every man is born equal and should be treated that way,” Norman told reporters after the ceremony.
You probably know that all hell broke loose after that. The IOC immediately suspended Carlos and Smith from the U.S. team and expelled them from the Olympic Village. The two men received much abuse when they came home — including death threats — and were ostracized for a long while. But, like I say, you probably knew that.
What you may not have known — what I did not know — was that Peter Norman also went through his own personal turmoil after Mexico City. …
That’s an incredible morality tale. One I’ve never known.
THE funeral service for Peter Norman ended with the theme music from Chariots of Fire and a scene no less dramatic than any in that famous film.
The two pallbearers at the front carrying Norman’s coffin from the Williamstown Town Hall were Tommie Smith and John Carlos …
(via Amanda Turner)
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