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{{Short description|Australian sprinter}} |
{{Short description|Australian sprinter (1942–2006)}} |
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{{For|the Swedish politician|Peter Norman (politician)}} |
{{For|the Swedish politician|Peter Norman (politician)}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date= |
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2024}} |
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{{Use Australian English|date=July 2011}} |
{{Use Australian English|date=July 2011}} |
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{{Infobox sportsperson |
{{Infobox sportsperson |
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| name = Peter Norman |
| name = Peter Norman |
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| image = |
| image = File:Peter Norman 1968cr (cropped).jpg |
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| caption = |
| caption = |
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| full_name = Peter George Norman |
| full_name = Peter George Norman |
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'''Peter George Norman''' (15 June 1942 – 3 October 2006) was an Australian [[track and field|track athlete]]. He won the silver medal in the [[Athletics at the 1968 Summer Olympics – Men's 200 metres|200 metres]] at the [[1968 Summer Olympics]] in Mexico City, with a time of 20.06 seconds |
'''Peter George Norman''' (15 June 1942 – 3 October 2006) was an Australian [[track and field|track athlete]]. He won the silver medal in the [[Athletics at the 1968 Summer Olympics – Men's 200 metres|200 metres]] at the [[1968 Summer Olympics]] in Mexico City, with a time of 20.06 seconds, which remains the [[List of Oceanian records in athletics|Oceania 200 m record]].<ref name="Carlson p.">{{harvnb|Carlson|2006|p=}}</ref> He was a five-time national 200-metre champion.<ref name="Associated Press p.">{{harvnb|Associated Press|2006|p=}}</ref> |
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Norman is probably best known as the third athlete |
Norman is probably best known as the third athlete in the famous [[1968 Olympics Black Power salute|1968 Olympics protest salute]] photograph taken during the medal ceremony for the 200-metre event. He knew the salute was to occur and wore a badge of the [[Olympic Project for Human Rights]] in support of fellow athletes [[John Carlos]] and [[Tommie Smith]]. |
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==Early life== |
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| ⚫ | Norman grew up in a devout [[Salvation Army]] family,<ref name=hurst>{{cite news |url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/peter-normans-olympic-statement/story-e6freon6-1111112325566 |title=Peter Norman's Olympic statement |work=[[The Courier Mail]] |author=Hurst, Mike |date=8 October 2006 |access-date=10 January 2014}}</ref> living in [[Coburg, Victoria|Coburg]], a suburb of Melbourne in Victoria. Initially an apprentice butcher, Norman later became a teacher, and worked for the [[Victoria, Australia|Victorian]] Department of Sport and Recreation towards the end of his life.<ref name="Hawker p.">{{harvnb|Hawker|2008|p=}}</ref> |
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Norman grew up in a devout [[Salvation Army]] family<ref name=hurst>{{cite news |url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/peter-normans-olympic-statement/story-e6freon6-1111112325566 |title=Peter Norman's Olympic statement |work=[[The Courier Mail]] |author=Hurst, Mike |date=8 October 2006 |access-date=10 January 2014}}</ref> living in [[Coburg, Victoria|Coburg]], a suburb of Melbourne in Victoria. Initially an apprentice butcher, Norman later became a teacher, and worked for the [[Victoria, Australia|Victorian]] Department of Sport and Recreation towards the end of his life.<ref name="Hawker p. |
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During his athletics career Norman was coached by [[Neville Sillitoe]].<ref name=hurst/> |
During his athletics career, Norman was coached by [[Neville Sillitoe]].<ref name=hurst/> |
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==Career== |
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===1968 Summer Olympics=== |
===1968 Summer Olympics=== |
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{{Main|Athletics at the 1968 Summer Olympics – Men's 200 metres}} |
{{Main|Athletics at the 1968 Summer Olympics – Men's 200 metres}} |
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The 200 metres event at the [[1968 Summer Olympics|1968 Olympics]] started on 15 October and finished on 16 October; Norman won his heat in a time of 20.17 seconds, which was briefly an [[Olympic record]].<ref name="Irwin p. |
The 200 metres event at the [[1968 Summer Olympics|1968 Olympics]] started on 15 October and finished on 16 October; Norman won his heat in a time of 20.17 seconds, which was briefly an [[Olympic record]].<ref name="Irwin p.">{{harvnb|Irwin|2012|p=}}</ref> He won his quarter-final and was second in the semi-final. |
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On the morning of 16 October, US athlete [[Tommie Smith]] won the 200-metre final with a [[Men's 200 metres world record progression|world-record time]] of 19.83 seconds.<ref>[https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/summer/1968/ATH/mens-200-metres.html Athletics at the 1968 Ciudad de México Summer Games: Men's 200 metres] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181016165100/https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/summer/1968/ATH/mens-200-metres.html |date=16 October 2018 }}. sports-reference.com</ref><ref name="New Scientist p. 285">{{harvnb|New Scientist|1981| p=285}}</ref> Norman finished second in a time of 20.06 s |
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| ⚫ | On the morning of 16 October, US athlete [[Tommie Smith]] won the 200-metre final with a [[Men's 200 metres world record progression|world-record time]] of 19.83 seconds.<ref>[https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/summer/1968/ATH/mens-200-metres.html Athletics at the 1968 Ciudad de México Summer Games: Men's 200 metres] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181016165100/https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/summer/1968/ATH/mens-200-metres.html |date=16 October 2018 }}. sports-reference.com</ref><ref name="New Scientist p. 285">{{harvnb|New Scientist|1981| p=285}}</ref> Norman finished second in a time of 20.06 s after passing U.S. athlete [[John Carlos]] at the finish line. Carlos ran 20.10 s. |
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===Later career=== |
===Later career=== |
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Norman represented Australia at the [[1969 Pacific Conference Games]] in [[Tokyo]], and the [[Athletics at the 1970 British Commonwealth Games – Men's 200 metres|1970 Commonwealth Games]] in [[Edinburgh]].<ref name=smh /> |
Norman represented Australia at the [[1969 Pacific Conference Games]] in [[Tokyo]], and the [[Athletics at the 1970 British Commonwealth Games – Men's 200 metres|1970 Commonwealth Games]] in [[Edinburgh]].<ref name=smh /> |
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The [[Australian Olympic Committee]] maintains that Norman was not selected for the 1972 Munich Olympics because he did not meet the selection standard of equalling or bettering the IOC qualifying standard (20.9)<ref>{{cite journal |title=IOC Releases 1972 Olympic Standards |journal=Track and Field News |date=May 1971 |page=24}}</ref> ''and'' performing credibly at the 1972 [[Australian Athletics Championships]] at which he finished third behind [[Greg Lewis (sprinter)|Greg Lewis]] and [[Gary Eddy]] in a time of 21.6.<ref name=smh/><ref name="National Times">{{cite news |title=A sprint hope who ran foul of Olympic starters gun |work=National Times |issue=3–8 April 1972 p.28}}</ref> |
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Norman retired from athletics after missing the 1972 Olympic team.<ref name="CNN" /> |
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He played 67 games for [[Brunswick, Victoria|West Brunswick]] [[Australian rules football]] club from 1972 to 1977 before coaching an under-19 team in 1978{{citation needed|date=October 2018}} (Before the 1968 Olympics, he is said to have been a trainer for West Brunswick as a way of keeping fit over winter during the athletics off-season). |
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In 1985, Norman contracted [[gangrene]] after tearing his [[ |
In 1985, Norman contracted [[gangrene]] after tearing his [[Achilles tendon]] during a charity race, which nearly led to his leg being amputated. Depression, heavy drinking and painkiller addiction followed.<ref name="Johnstone-Norman p.">{{harvnb|Johnstone|Norman|2008| p=}}</ref> |
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After battling depression, Norman worked at [[Athletics Australia]] as a sports administrator until 2006.<ref name="Carlson p. |
After battling depression, Norman worked at [[Athletics Australia]] as a sports administrator until 2006.<ref name="Carlson p."/> |
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==Death== |
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Norman died of a [[myocardial infarction|heart attack]] on 3 October 2006 in [[Melbourne]] at the age of 64.<ref name="Hurst p. |
Norman died of a [[myocardial infarction|heart attack]] on 3 October 2006 in [[Melbourne]] at the age of 64.<ref name="Hurst p."/> The [[USA Track & Field|US Track and Field Federation]] proclaimed 9 October 2006, the date of his funeral, as Peter Norman Day. Thirty-eight years after the three first made history, both Smith and Carlos gave [[eulogy|eulogies]] and were [[pallbearer]]s at Norman's funeral.<ref name="Hawker p."/> At the time of his death, Norman was survived by his second wife, Jan, and their daughters Belinda and Emma. Additionally, he was survived by his first wife, Ruth; their children Gary, Sandra, and Janita; and four grandchildren.<ref name=hurst/> |
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==Black power salute== |
==Black power salute== |
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===Medal ceremony=== |
===Medal ceremony=== |
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{{Main|1968 Olympics Black Power salute}} |
{{Main|1968 Olympics Black Power salute}} |
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[[File:John Carlos, Tommie Smith, Peter Norman 1968cr.jpg|thumb|The Black Power salute by [[Tommie Smith]] (center) and [[John Carlos]]. Norman (left) wears an [[Olympic Project for Human Rights|OPHR]] badge in solidarity with them.]] |
[[File:John Carlos, Tommie Smith, Peter Norman 1968cr.jpg|thumb|The Black Power salute by [[Tommie Smith]] (center) and [[John Carlos]] (right). Norman (left) wears an [[Olympic Project for Human Rights|OPHR]] badge in solidarity with them.]] |
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On the medal podium after the medal presentation by [[David Cecil, 6th Marquess of Exeter]] and during the playing of the US anthem, "[[The Star-Spangled Banner]]", Tommie Smith and John Carlos famously performed a [[Black Power]] salute (which Tommie Smith later described in his 2007 autobiography as a [[human rights]] salute, rather than an outright Black Power salute). |
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Norman wore a badge on the podium in support of the [[Olympic Project for Human Rights]] (OPHR). After the final, Carlos and Smith had told Norman what they were planning to do during the ceremony. |
Norman wore a badge on the podium in support of the [[Olympic Project for Human Rights]] (OPHR). After the final, Carlos and Smith had told Norman what they were planning to do during the ceremony. Journalist [[Martin Flanagan (journalist)|Martin Flanagan]] wrote: "They asked Norman if he believed in human rights. He said he did. They asked him if he believed in God. Norman, who came from a Salvation Army background, said he believed strongly in God. We knew that what we were going to do was far greater than any athletic feat. He said, 'I'll stand with you'. Carlos said he expected to see fear in Norman's eyes. He didn't; 'I saw love'."<ref name="Flanagan p.">{{harvnb|Flanagan|2006|p=}}</ref> On the way to the medal ceremony, Norman saw the OPHR badge being worn by [[Paul Hoffman (rowing)|Paul Hoffman]], a white member of the US rowing team, and asked him if he could wear it.<ref name="Hurst p.">{{harvnb|Hurst|2006|p=}}</ref> It was Norman who suggested that Smith and Carlos share the black gloves used in their salute, after Carlos left his pair at the Olympic Village.<ref name="Frost p.">{{harvnb|Frost|2008|p=}}</ref> This is the reason Smith raised a gloved right fist and Carlos raised his gloved left. |
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===Treatment between 1968–1972=== |
===Treatment between 1968–1972=== |
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Various commentary has claimed that, after the 1968 Olympics, Norman's career suffered greatly, e.g., a 2012 CNN profile said that "he returned home to Australia a pariah, suffering unofficial sanction and ridicule as the Black Power salute's forgotten man. He never ran in the Olympics again."<ref name="CNN">{{cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/24/sport/olympics-norman-black-power/ |title=The third man: The forgotten Black Power hero |first=James |last=Montague |date=24 April 2012 |publisher=CNN |access-date=9 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307180045/http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/24/sport/olympics-norman-black-power/ |archive-date=7 March 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> Norman represented Australia at the smaller-scale [[1969 Pacific Conference Games]] in [[Tokyo]], and the [[Athletics at the 1970 British Commonwealth Games – Men's 200 metres|1970 Commonwealth Games]] in [[Edinburgh]] before finishing his career.<ref name=smh /> |
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| ⚫ | Various commentators say he was not selected for the [[1972 Summer Olympics|Olympic Games in Munich]] in 1972 despite recording qualifying times, but the [[Australian Olympic Committee]] maintains that Norman was not selected for the 1972 Olympics because he did not meet the selection standard of equalling or bettering the Olympic qualifying standard (20.9)<ref>{{cite journal |title=IOC Releases 1972 Olympic Standards |journal=Track and Field News |date=May 1971 |page=24}}</ref> and performing creditably at the [[Australian Athletics Championships]].<ref name="National Times"/> Norman ran several qualifying times from 1969–1971<ref name=smh>{{cite news |last1=Messenger |first1=Robert |title=Leigh sprints into wrong lane over Norman |url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/leigh-sprints-into-wrong-lane-over-norman-20120823-24oug.html |access-date=12 November 2015 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=24 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104192610/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/leigh-sprints-into-wrong-lane-over-norman-20120823-24oug.html |archive-date=4 November 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> but he finished third in the 1972 Australian Athletics Championships behind [[Greg Lewis (sprinter)|Greg Lewis]] and [[Gary Eddy]] in a time of 21.6.<ref name=smh/> |
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| ⚫ | Contemporaneous reports show mixed opinion on whether Norman should have been sent to the Munich Olympics. After coming third in the trials, Norman commented: "All I had to do was to win, even in a slow time, and I think I would have been off to Munich".<ref name=age>{{cite news |title=Peter may have lost team place |url=http://corporate.olympics.com.au/files/dmfile/Peter%20Norman%20-%20Ron%20Carter%20article%20-%20The%20Age%201972.pdf |access-date=12 November 2015 |work=The Age |date=27 March 1972 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112104618/http://corporate.olympics.com.au/files/dmfile/Peter%20Norman%20-%20Ron%20Carter%20article%20-%20The%20Age%201972.pdf |archive-date=12 January 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Age]]'' correspondent wrote Norman "probably ran himself out of the team at the National titles"—yet also noted he was injured—and continued, "If the selectors do the right thing, Norman should still be on the plane to Munich."<ref name=age /> On the other hand, ''Australasian Amateur Athletics''' magazine stated "The dilemma for selectors here was how could they select Norman and not Lewis. Pity that Peter did not win because that would have been the only requirement for a Munich ticket".<ref name=aa>{{cite journal |title=National Championships – 24–25 March 1972, Perry Lakes Stadium, Perth |journal=Australasian Amateur Athletics |date=April 1972 |pages=2–3}}</ref> |
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He is said to have played 67 games for West Brunswick Australian rules football club from 1972 to 1977 before coaching an under 19 team in 1978. |
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| ⚫ | It has been noted that Norman was not welcomed or even included at the [[2000 Summer Olympics]]inSydney unless he renounced his actions, which he never did despite being offered a lucrative job through the Australian Olympic Committee and be involved in the running of the 2000 Games.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://theconversation.com/i-will-stand-with-you-finally-an-apology-to-peter-norman-10107 |title='I will stand with you': finally, an apology to Peter Norman |first=Steve |last=Georgakis |date=12 October 2012 |access-date=9 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403171936/http://theconversation.com/i-will-stand-with-you-finally-an-apology-to-peter-norman-10107 |archive-date=3 April 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="thestar.com">{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/insight/2016/08/07/the-forgotten-story-behind-the-black-power-photo-from-1968-olympics.html |title=The forgotten story behind the 'black power' photo from 1968 Olympics |first=Donovan |last=Vincent |date=7 August 2016 |newspaper=Toronto Star |access-date=9 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308025727/https://www.thestar.com/news/insight/2016/08/07/the-forgotten-story-behind-the-black-power-photo-from-1968-olympics.html |archive-date=8 March 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Independent>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/olympics/rio-2016-olympic-friendships-john-carlos-peter-norman-tommie-smith-mexico-city-1968-black-power-7166771.html |title=Divided by their colour, united by the cause |website=[[Independent.co.uk]] |date=1 August 2016 |access-date=4 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171119022021/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/olympics/rio-2016-olympic-friendships-john-carlos-peter-norman-tommie-smith-mexico-city-1968-black-power-7166771.html |archive-date=19 November 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Peter Norman, the White Man in That Photo |url=https://thewire.in/sport/peter-norman-the-white-man-in-that-photo |access-date=28 May 2023 |website=The Wire}}</ref> John Carlos stated that "If we [Carlos and Smith] were getting beat up, Peter was facing an entire country and suffering alone."<ref name="thestar.com"/><ref name=Independent/> |
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===Recognition=== |
===Recognition=== |
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For his involvement as an ally in the 1968 Olympics Black Power salute protest, Norman has appeared in many works of public art, as well as movies on the subject. |
For his involvement as an ally in the 1968 Olympics Black Power salute protest, Norman has appeared in many works of public art, as well as movies on the subject. |
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* An airbrush mural of the trio on podium was painted in 2000 in the inner-city suburb of [[Newtown, New South Wales|Newtown]] in Sydney.{{efn|Mural at 39, Pine Street, Newtown, New South Wales, Australia.<ref>{{cite web |title=Leamington Lane, Newtown, NSW |url=https://www.google.com/maps/@-33.8965111,151.1860352,0a,75y,29.85h,119.07t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sDeIt4h0uLVrhTSDlcPoHRg!2e0 |access-date=15 November 2020}}</ref>}} Silvio Offria, who allowed an artist known only as "Donald" to paint the mural on his house in Leamington Lane, said that Norman came to see the mural |
* An airbrush mural of the trio on podium was painted in 2000 in the inner-city suburb of [[Newtown, New South Wales|Newtown]] in Sydney.{{efn|Mural at 39, Pine Street, Newtown, New South Wales, Australia.<ref>{{cite web |title=Leamington Lane, Newtown, NSW |url=https://www.google.com/maps/@-33.8965111,151.1860352,0a,75y,29.85h,119.07t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sDeIt4h0uLVrhTSDlcPoHRg!2e0 |access-date=15 November 2020}}</ref>}} Silvio Offria, who allowed an artist known only as "Donald" to paint the mural on his house in Leamington Lane, said that Norman came to see the mural: "He came and had his photo taken, he was very happy."<ref name="Tovey p.">{{harvnb|Tovey|2010|p=}}</ref> The monochrome tribute, captioned "<small>THREE PROUD PEOPLE MEXICO 68</small>", was under threat of demolition in 2010 to make way for a rail tunnel<ref name="Tovey p."/> but is now listed as an item of heritage significance.<ref name="City of Sydney p. 27">{{harvnb|City of Sydney|2010|p=27}}</ref> |
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* On 17 October |
* On 17 October 2005, [[San Jose State University]] unveiled a statue, titled ''[[Victory Salute (statue)|Victory Salute]],'' commemorating the 1968 Olympic protest. Norman was not included as part of the statue itself, as he insisted that his place be left unoccupied so that others viewing the statue could "take a stand" against racism; however, he was invited to deliver a speech at the ceremony.<ref name="Hawker p."/> |
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* Norman's nephew Matt Norman directed, produced, and wrote the documentary film ''[[Salute (2008 film)|Salute]]'' (2008), about him and his role in the 1968 Olympics Black Power salute. Paul Byrnes, in his ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald|Sydney Morning Herald]]'' review of ''Salute'', said that the documentary makes it clear why Norman stood with the other two athletes. Byrnes writes, "He was a devout Christian, raised in the Salvation Army [and] believed passionately in equality for all, regardless of colour, creed or religion—the Olympic code".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/film-reviews/salute/2008/07/17/1216163010320.html |title=Salute |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|author=Byrnes, Paul |date=17 July 2008 |access-date=10 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030080535/http://www.smh.com.au/news/film-reviews/salute/2008/07/17/1216163010320.html |archive-date=30 October 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2018, Matt Norman with the help of journalist Andrew Webster released his uncle's official biography ''The Peter Norman Story''. |
* Norman's nephew Matt Norman directed, produced, and wrote the documentary film ''[[Salute (2008 film)|Salute]]'' (2008), about him and his role in the 1968 Olympics Black Power salute. Paul Byrnes, in his ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald|Sydney Morning Herald]]'' review of ''Salute'', said that the documentary makes it clear why Norman stood with the other two athletes. Byrnes writes, "He was a devout Christian, raised in the Salvation Army [and] believed passionately in equality for all, regardless of colour, creed or religion—the Olympic code".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/film-reviews/salute/2008/07/17/1216163010320.html |title=Salute |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|author=Byrnes, Paul |date=17 July 2008 |access-date=10 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030080535/http://www.smh.com.au/news/film-reviews/salute/2008/07/17/1216163010320.html |archive-date=30 October 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2018, Matt Norman with the help of journalist Andrew Webster released his uncle's official biography ''The Peter Norman Story''. |
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* In September 2016, a statue of Norman on the 1968 medal podium with Smith and Carlos was unveiled at the [[National Museum of African American History and Culture]] in Washington, D.C.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.teamusa.org/News/2017/February/23/Olympians-Contributions-Featured-Prominently-In-National-Museum-Of-African-American-History |title=Olympians' Contributions Featured Prominently in National Museum of African American History And Culture |publisher=United States Olympic Committee |author=McDonald, Scott |date=23 February 2017 |access-date=26 April 2020 }}</ref> |
* In September 2016, a statue of Norman on the 1968 medal podium with Smith and Carlos was unveiled at the [[National Museum of African American History and Culture]] in Washington, D.C.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.teamusa.org/News/2017/February/23/Olympians-Contributions-Featured-Prominently-In-National-Museum-Of-African-American-History |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170720094653/http://www.teamusa.org/News/2017/February/23/Olympians-Contributions-Featured-Prominently-In-National-Museum-Of-African-American-History |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 July 2017 |title=Olympians' Contributions Featured Prominently in National Museum of African American History And Culture |publisher=United States Olympic Committee |author=McDonald, Scott |date=23 February 2017 |access-date=26 April 2020 }}</ref> |
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* During the building of Lakeside Stadium in Melbourne, [[Athletics Australia]] in partnership with the Victorian Government announced the erecting of a bronze statue of Norman to honour Norman's legacy as an athlete and advocate for human rights. They will also enshrine 9 October as Peter Norman Day within their organisation.<ref>{{cite web |title=Peter Norman Statue to be built |url=http://athletics.com.au/News/peter-norman-statue-to-be-built |website=Athletics Australia website |access-date=9 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009132026/http://athletics.com.au/News/peter-norman-statue-to-be-built |archive-date=9 October 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> It was unveiled on 9 October 2019 at the Albert Park athletics track, Melbourne.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ramsak |first1=Bob |title=Statue honouring Australian Olympian Peter Norman unveiled in Melbourne |url=https://www.worldathletics.org/news/news/peter-norman-statue-unveiled-melbourne |access-date=2 March 2021 |work=World Athletics |date=9 October 2019}}</ref> |
* During the building of Lakeside Stadium in Melbourne, [[Athletics Australia]] in partnership with the Victorian Government announced the erecting of a bronze statue of Norman to honour Norman's legacy as an athlete and advocate for human rights. They will also enshrine 9 October as Peter Norman Day within their organisation.<ref>{{cite web |title=Peter Norman Statue to be built |url=http://athletics.com.au/News/peter-norman-statue-to-be-built |website=Athletics Australia website |access-date=9 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009132026/http://athletics.com.au/News/peter-norman-statue-to-be-built |archive-date=9 October 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> It was unveiled on 9 October 2019 at the Albert Park athletics track, Melbourne.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ramsak |first1=Bob |title=Statue honouring Australian Olympian Peter Norman unveiled in Melbourne |url=https://www.worldathletics.org/news/news/peter-norman-statue-unveiled-melbourne |access-date=2 March 2021 |work=World Athletics |date=9 October 2019}}</ref> |
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===Posthumous apology=== |
===Posthumous apology=== |
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In August 2012, the [[Australian House of Representatives]] debated a motion to provide a posthumous apology to Norman.<ref name="The Daily Telegraph p. |
In August 2012, the [[Australian House of Representatives]] debated a motion to provide a posthumous apology to Norman.<ref name="The Daily Telegraph p.">{{harvnb|The Daily Telegraph|2012|p=}}</ref><ref name="Australian Associated Press p.">{{harvnb|Australian Associated Press|2012|p=}}</ref><ref name="Whiteman p.">{{harvnb|Whiteman|2012|p=}}</ref> The chamber passed an official apology motion on 11 October 2012, which read:<ref name="Parliament of Australia p. 1865">{{harvnb|Parliament of Australia|2012|p=1865}}</ref> |
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{{Cquote|15 PETER NORMAN |
{{Cquote|15 PETER NORMAN |
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The original plan for the apology had point (3) state that the House: 'apologises to Peter Norman for the wrong done by Australia in failing to send him to the 1972 Munich Olympics, despite repeatedly qualifying'. This acknowledgement of a punitive reaction by Australia to his support of Smith and Carlos was omitted from the final apology.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/black-power-apology-for-australian-sprinter-peter-norman-48-years-in-the-making/news-story/d119f8b8257aad2c2d46ec1c55e0a47f |title=Black Power apology 48 years in making |date= |
The original plan for the apology had point (3) state that the House: 'apologises to Peter Norman for the wrong done by Australia in failing to send him to the 1972 Munich Olympics, despite repeatedly qualifying'. This acknowledgement of a punitive reaction by Australia to his support of Smith and Carlos was omitted from the final apology.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/black-power-apology-for-australian-sprinter-peter-norman-48-years-in-the-making/news-story/d119f8b8257aad2c2d46ec1c55e0a47f |title=Black Power apology 48 years in making |date=17 August 2012 |website=News.com.au |publisher=News Corp Ltd. |access-date=29 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227182033/https://www.news.com.au/sport/black-power-apology-for-australian-sprinter-peter-norman-48-years-in-the-making/news-story/d119f8b8257aad2c2d46ec1c55e0a47f |archive-date=27 February 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.indy100.com/article/brilliant-story-other-guy-olympics-black-power-1968-photo-8008636 |title=The brilliant story of the 'other guy' in this iconic Olympics photo |date=19 October 2017 |website=indy100 |language=en |access-date=29 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829141217/https://www.indy100.com/article/brilliant-story-other-guy-olympics-black-power-1968-photo-8008636 |archive-date=29 August 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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In a 2012 interview advocating for the apology, Carlos said:<ref name="Carlos-Eastley p. |
In a 2012 interview advocating for the apology, Carlos said:<ref name="Carlos-Eastley p.">{{harvnb|Carlos|Eastley|2012|p=}}</ref> |
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{{Cquote|There's no-one in the nation of Australia that should be honoured, recognised, appreciated more than Peter Norman for his humanitarian concerns, his character, his strength and his willingness to be a [[sacrificial lamb]] for justice.}} |
{{Cquote|There's no-one in the nation of Australia that should be honoured, recognised, appreciated more than Peter Norman for his humanitarian concerns, his character, his strength and his willingness to be a [[sacrificial lamb]] for justice.}} |
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After the parliamentary apology, the [[Australian Olympic Committee]] (AOC) and others disputed the claims made about Norman being ostracised for supporting Carlos and Smith. The AOC did not believe that Norman was owed an apology,<ref name="Whiteman p. |
After the parliamentary apology, the [[Australian Olympic Committee]] (AOC) and others disputed the claims made about Norman being ostracised for supporting Carlos and Smith. The AOC did not believe that Norman was owed an apology,<ref name="Whiteman p."/> citing the following: |
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* Norman was cautioned by the AOC but not punished. [[Chef de Mission]] [[Judy Patching]] cautioned him on the evening of the medal ceremony and then gave Norman as many tickets as he wanted to go and watch a field hockey match.<ref name=aoc>{{cite web |title=Peter Norman not shunned by AOC |url=http://corporate.olympics.com.au/news/peter-norman-not-shunned-by-aoc |website=Australian Olympic Committee News, 6 November 2015 |access-date=12 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117001831/http://corporate.olympics.com.au/news/peter-norman-not-shunned-by-aoc |archive-date=17 November 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> |
* Norman was cautioned by the AOC but not punished. [[Chef de Mission]] [[Judy Patching]] cautioned him on the evening of the medal ceremony and then gave Norman as many tickets as he wanted to go and watch a field hockey match.<ref name=aoc>{{cite web |title=Peter Norman not shunned by AOC |url=http://corporate.olympics.com.au/news/peter-norman-not-shunned-by-aoc |website=Australian Olympic Committee News, 6 November 2015 |access-date=12 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117001831/http://corporate.olympics.com.au/news/peter-norman-not-shunned-by-aoc |archive-date=17 November 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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* Norman was not selected for the [[1972 Munich Olympics]], as he did not meet the selection standard which entailed an athlete equalling or bettering the Olympic qualifying standard (20.9)<ref>{{cite journal |title=IOC Releases 1972 Olympic Standards |journal=Track and Field News |date=May 1971 |page=24}}</ref> and performing creditably at the [[Australian Athletics Championships]].<ref name="National Times"/> Norman ran several qualifying times from 1969–1971,<ref name=smh /> but he finished third in the 1972 [[Australian Athletics Championships]] behind [[Greg Lewis (sprinter)|Greg Lewis]] and [[Gary Eddy]] in a time of 21.6.<ref name=smh /> |
* Norman was not selected for the [[1972 Munich Olympics]], as he did not meet the selection standard which entailed an athlete equalling or bettering the Olympic qualifying standard (20.9)<ref>{{cite journal |title=IOC Releases 1972 Olympic Standards |journal=Track and Field News |date=May 1971 |page=24}}</ref> and performing creditably at the [[Australian Athletics Championships]].<ref name="National Times"/> Norman ran several qualifying times from 1969–1971,<ref name=smh /> but he finished third in the 1972 [[Australian Athletics Championships]] behind [[Greg Lewis (sprinter)|Greg Lewis]] and [[Gary Eddy]] in a time of 21.6.<ref name=smh /> |
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* In the lead-up to the [[2000 Sydney Olympics]], the AOC stated "Norman was involved in numerous Olympic events in his home city of Melbourne. He announced several teams for the AOC in Melbourne and was on the stage in his Mexico 1968 blazer congratulating athletes. He was acknowledged as an Olympian and the AOC valued his contribution."<ref name=aoc/> Due to cost considerations, the AOC did not have the resources to bring all Australian Olympians to Sydney, and Norman was offered the same chance to buy tickets as other Australian Olympians.<ref name="Whiteman p. |
* In the lead-up to the [[2000 Sydney Olympics]], the AOC stated "Norman was involved in numerous Olympic events in his home city of Melbourne. He announced several teams for the AOC in Melbourne and was on the stage in his Mexico 1968 blazer congratulating athletes. He was acknowledged as an Olympian and the AOC valued his contribution."<ref name=aoc/> Due to cost considerations, the AOC did not have the resources to bring all Australian Olympians to Sydney, and Norman was offered the same chance to buy tickets as other Australian Olympians.<ref name="Whiteman p."/> However, the United States invited him to participate and take part in the 2000 Sydney Olympics when they heard that his own country had failed to do so.<ref name="Schembri p.">{{harvnb|Schembri|2008|p=}}</ref> |
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In 2018, the AOC awarded Norman posthumously the Order of Merit for his involvement of the 1968 protest, with AOC President [[John Coates (sports administrator)|John Coates]] stating: "I'm absolutely certain from all the history I've read that we didn't do the wrong thing by him. But I absolutely think we've been negligent in not recognising the role he played back then."<ref name=sbs>{{cite news |title=Peter Norman given posthumous Order of Merit by AOC |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/peter-norman-given-posthumous-order-of-merit-by-aoc |access-date=2 March 2021 |work=SBS News |date=28 April 2018 |language=en}}</ref> |
In 2018, the AOC awarded Norman posthumously the Order of Merit for his involvement of the 1968 protest, with AOC President [[John Coates (sports administrator)|John Coates]] stating: "I'm absolutely certain from all the history I've read that we didn't do the wrong thing by him. But I absolutely think we've been negligent in not recognising the role he played back then."<ref name=sbs>{{cite news |title=Peter Norman given posthumous Order of Merit by AOC |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/peter-norman-given-posthumous-order-of-merit-by-aoc |access-date=2 March 2021 |work=SBS News |date=28 April 2018 |language=en}}</ref> |
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==Honours== |
==Honours== |
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Later in life, Norman received a number of honours from Australian sport bodies, including: |
Later in life and posthumously, Norman received a number of honours from Australian sport bodies, including: |
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* 1999 – [[Sport Australia Hall of Fame Awards|Sport Australia Hall of Fame]] inductee |
* 1999 – [[Sport Australia Hall of Fame Awards|Sport Australia Hall of Fame]] inductee |
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* 2010 – [[Athletics Australia]] Hall of Fame inductee |
* 2010 – [[Athletics Australia]] Hall of Fame inductee |
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* 2018 – Order of Merit from Australian Olympic Committee<ref name=sbs/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/103456402/aussie-sprinter-who-stood-on-podium-during-1968-black-power-salute-to-be-recognised |title=Aussie sprinter who stood on podium during 1968 black-power salute to be recognised |publisher=Stuff (Fairfax) |date=28 April 2018 |access-date=27 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428095647/https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/103456402/aussie-sprinter-who-stood-on-podium-during-1968-black-power-salute-to-be-recognised |archive-date=28 April 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> |
* 2018 – Order of Merit from Australian Olympic Committee<ref name=sbs/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/103456402/aussie-sprinter-who-stood-on-podium-during-1968-black-power-salute-to-be-recognised |title=Aussie sprinter who stood on podium during 1968 black-power salute to be recognised |publisher=Stuff (Fairfax) |date=28 April 2018 |access-date=27 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428095647/https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/103456402/aussie-sprinter-who-stood-on-podium-during-1968-black-power-salute-to-be-recognised |archive-date=28 April 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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* 2022 |
* 2022 – [[Sport_Australia_Hall_of_Fame_Awards#The_Dawn_Award|The Dawn Award]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/sportaushof/status/1600831934023618560|title=Congratulations to SAHOF Member & Olympic silver medalist, Peter Norman, who has been awarded the 2022 The Dawn Award for the role he played alongside Americans Tommie Smith & John Carlos at the 1968 Olympics.|website=Twitter|date=8 December 2022|access-date=11 December 2022}}</ref> |
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== References == |
== References == |
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| Line 250: | Line 254: | ||
*{{cite web |last=Hawker |first=Phillippa |date=15 July 2008 |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/film/salute-to-a-champion/2008/07/14/1215887536424.html?page=fullpage |title=Salute to a champion |work=[[The Age]] |access-date=23 October 2013 }} |
*{{cite web |last=Hawker |first=Phillippa |date=15 July 2008 |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/film/salute-to-a-champion/2008/07/14/1215887536424.html?page=fullpage |title=Salute to a champion |work=[[The Age]] |access-date=23 October 2013 }} |
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* {{cite web |last=Hurst |first=Mike |date=8 October 2006 |url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/peter-normans-olympic-statement/story-e6freon6-1111112325566 |title=Peter Norman's Olympic statement |work=[[The Courier-Mail]] |access-date=22 October 2013 }} |
* {{cite web |last=Hurst |first=Mike |date=8 October 2006 |url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/peter-normans-olympic-statement/story-e6freon6-1111112325566 |title=Peter Norman's Olympic statement |work=[[The Courier-Mail]] |access-date=22 October 2013 }} |
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* {{cite web |last=Irwin |first=James D. |date=27 September 2012 |url=http://www.theweeklings.com/friends/2012/09/27/the-humans-raced/ |title=The Humans Raced |publisher=The Weeklings |access-date=22 October 2013 }} |
* {{cite web |last=Irwin |first=James D. |date=27 September 2012 |url=http://www.theweeklings.com/friends/2012/09/27/the-humans-raced/ |title=The Humans Raced |publisher=The Weeklings |access-date=22 October 2013 |archive-date=10 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410130424/http://www.theweeklings.com/friends/2012/09/27/the-humans-raced/ |url-status=dead }} |
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* {{cite book |last1=Johnstone |first1=Damian |last2=Norman |first2=Matt T. |title=A Race to Remember: The Peter Norman Story |edition=2008 |year=2008 |publisher=JoJo Publishing |isbn=9780980495027}} <small>- Total pages: 320 </small> |
* {{cite book |last1=Johnstone |first1=Damian |last2=Norman |first2=Matt T. |title=A Race to Remember: The Peter Norman Story |edition=2008 |year=2008 |publisher=JoJo Publishing |isbn=9780980495027}} <small>- Total pages: 320 </small> |
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* {{cite web |last=Lucas |first=Dean |date=22 May 2013 |url=http://www.famouspictures.org/black-power/ |title=Black Power |publisher=Famous Pictures Collection |access-date=23 October 2013 }} |
* {{cite web |last=Lucas |first=Dean |date=22 May 2013 |url=http://www.famouspictures.org/black-power/ |title=Black Power |publisher=Famous Pictures Collection |access-date=23 October 2013 }} |
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{{Commons category}} |
{{Commons category}} |
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* {{YouTube|--lzACn0aZ8|1968 Olympic 200 Meters}} |
* {{YouTube|--lzACn0aZ8|1968 Olympic 200 Meters}} |
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* [http://athletics.com.au/Athletes/Hall-of-Fame/Peter-Norman Peter Norman – Athletics Australia Hall of Fame] |
* [http://athletics.com.au/Athletes/Hall-of-Fame/Peter-Norman Peter Norman – Athletics Australia Hall of Fame] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402131121/http://athletics.com.au/Athletes/Hall-of-Fame/Peter-Norman |date=2 April 2015 }} |
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* {{SAHOF|peter-norman}} |
* {{SAHOF|peter-norman}} |
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* {{IMDb name|id=0635602}} |
* {{IMDb name|id=0635602}} |
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* {{ |
* {{Olympics.com profile|peter-norman}} |
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* {{AOC profile|peter-norman}} |
* {{AOC profile|peter-norman}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Norman, Peter}} |
{{DEFAULTSORT:Norman, Peter}} |
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[[Category:1942 births]] |
[[Category:1942 births]] |
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[[Category:2006 deaths]] |
[[Category:2006 deaths]] |
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[[Category:Australian male sprinters]] |
[[Category:Australian male sprinters]] |
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[[Category:Athletes (track and field) at the 1968 Summer Olympics]] |
[[Category:Athletes (track and field) at the 1968 Summer Olympics]] |
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[[Category:Olympic athletes |
[[Category:Olympic athletes for Australia]] |
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[[Category:Olympic silver medalists for Australia]] |
[[Category:Olympic silver medalists for Australia]] |
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[[Category:Athletes (track and field) at the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games]] |
[[Category:Athletes (track and field) at the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games]] |
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[[Category:People from Coburg, Victoria]] |
[[Category:People from Coburg, Victoria]] |
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[[Category:Medallists at the 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games]] |
[[Category:Medallists at the 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games]] |
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[[Category:Sportsmen from Victoria (state)]] |
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[[Category:Australian Athletics Championships winners]] |
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 | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Full name | Peter George Norman |
| Born | (1942-06-15)15 June 1942 Coburg, Victoria, Australia |
| Died | 3 October 2006(2006-10-03) (aged 64) Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
| Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| Weight | 73 kg (161 lb) |
| Sport | |
| Country | Australia |
| Sport | Athletics |
| Event | Sprint |
| Club | East Melbourne Harriers[1] |
| Achievements and titles | |
| Personal best(s) | 20.06 s (200 m, 1968)[1] |
Medal record | |
Peter George Norman (15 June 1942 – 3 October 2006) was an Australian track athlete. He won the silver medal in the 200 metres at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, with a time of 20.06 seconds, which remains the Oceania 200 m record.[2] He was a five-time national 200-metre champion.[3]
Norman is probably best known as the third athlete in the famous 1968 Olympics protest salute photograph taken during the medal ceremony for the 200-metre event. He knew the salute was to occur and wore a badge of the Olympic Project for Human Rights in support of fellow athletes John Carlos and Tommie Smith.
Norman grew up in a devout Salvation Army family,[4] living in Coburg, a suburb of Melbourne in Victoria. Initially an apprentice butcher, Norman later became a teacher, and worked for the Victorian Department of Sport and Recreation towards the end of his life.[5]
During his athletics career, Norman was coached by Neville Sillitoe.[4]
The 200 metres event at the 1968 Olympics started on 15 October and finished on 16 October; Norman won his heat in a time of 20.17 seconds, which was briefly an Olympic record.[6] He won his quarter-final and was second in the semi-final.
On the morning of 16 October, US athlete Tommie Smith won the 200-metre final with a world-record time of 19.83 seconds.[7][8] Norman finished second in a time of 20.06 s after passing U.S. athlete John Carlos at the finish line. Carlos ran 20.10 s.
Norman represented Australia at the 1969 Pacific Conference GamesinTokyo, and the 1970 Commonwealth GamesinEdinburgh.[9]
The Australian Olympic Committee maintains that Norman was not selected for the 1972 Munich Olympics because he did not meet the selection standard of equalling or bettering the IOC qualifying standard (20.9)[10] and performing credibly at the 1972 Australian Athletics Championships at which he finished third behind Greg Lewis and Gary Eddy in a time of 21.6.[9][11]
He played 67 games for West Brunswick Australian rules football club from 1972 to 1977 before coaching an under-19 team in 1978[citation needed] (Before the 1968 Olympics, he is said to have been a trainer for West Brunswick as a way of keeping fit over winter during the athletics off-season).
In 1985, Norman contracted gangrene after tearing his Achilles tendon during a charity race, which nearly led to his leg being amputated. Depression, heavy drinking and painkiller addiction followed.[12]
After battling depression, Norman worked at Athletics Australia as a sports administrator until 2006.[2]
Norman died of a heart attack on 3 October 2006 in Melbourne at the age of 64.[13] The US Track and Field Federation proclaimed 9 October 2006, the date of his funeral, as Peter Norman Day. Thirty-eight years after the three first made history, both Smith and Carlos gave eulogies and were pallbearers at Norman's funeral.[5] At the time of his death, Norman was survived by his second wife, Jan, and their daughters Belinda and Emma. Additionally, he was survived by his first wife, Ruth; their children Gary, Sandra, and Janita; and four grandchildren.[4]
On the medal podium after the medal presentation by David Cecil, 6th Marquess of Exeter and during the playing of the US anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner", Tommie Smith and John Carlos famously performed a Black Power salute (which Tommie Smith later described in his 2007 autobiography as a human rights salute, rather than an outright Black Power salute).
Norman wore a badge on the podium in support of the Olympic Project for Human Rights (OPHR). After the final, Carlos and Smith had told Norman what they were planning to do during the ceremony. Journalist Martin Flanagan wrote: "They asked Norman if he believed in human rights. He said he did. They asked him if he believed in God. Norman, who came from a Salvation Army background, said he believed strongly in God. We knew that what we were going to do was far greater than any athletic feat. He said, 'I'll stand with you'. Carlos said he expected to see fear in Norman's eyes. He didn't; 'I saw love'."[14] On the way to the medal ceremony, Norman saw the OPHR badge being worn by Paul Hoffman, a white member of the US rowing team, and asked him if he could wear it.[13] It was Norman who suggested that Smith and Carlos share the black gloves used in their salute, after Carlos left his pair at the Olympic Village.[15] This is the reason Smith raised a gloved right fist and Carlos raised his gloved left.
Various commentary has claimed that, after the 1968 Olympics, Norman's career suffered greatly, e.g., a 2012 CNN profile said that "he returned home to Australia a pariah, suffering unofficial sanction and ridicule as the Black Power salute's forgotten man. He never ran in the Olympics again."[16] Norman represented Australia at the smaller-scale 1969 Pacific Conference GamesinTokyo, and the 1970 Commonwealth GamesinEdinburgh before finishing his career.[9]
Various commentators say he was not selected for the Olympic Games in Munich in 1972 despite recording qualifying times, but the Australian Olympic Committee maintains that Norman was not selected for the 1972 Olympics because he did not meet the selection standard of equalling or bettering the Olympic qualifying standard (20.9)[17] and performing creditably at the Australian Athletics Championships.[11] Norman ran several qualifying times from 1969–1971[9] but he finished third in the 1972 Australian Athletics Championships behind Greg Lewis and Gary Eddy in a time of 21.6.[9]
Contemporaneous reports show mixed opinion on whether Norman should have been sent to the Munich Olympics. After coming third in the trials, Norman commented: "All I had to do was to win, even in a slow time, and I think I would have been off to Munich".[18] The Age correspondent wrote Norman "probably ran himself out of the team at the National titles"—yet also noted he was injured—and continued, "If the selectors do the right thing, Norman should still be on the plane to Munich."[18] On the other hand, Australasian Amateur Athletics' magazine stated "The dilemma for selectors here was how could they select Norman and not Lewis. Pity that Peter did not win because that would have been the only requirement for a Munich ticket".[19]
He is said to have played 67 games for West Brunswick Australian rules football club from 1972 to 1977 before coaching an under 19 team in 1978.
It has been noted that Norman was not welcomed or even included at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney unless he renounced his actions, which he never did despite being offered a lucrative job through the Australian Olympic Committee and be involved in the running of the 2000 Games.[20][21][22][23] John Carlos stated that "If we [Carlos and Smith] were getting beat up, Peter was facing an entire country and suffering alone."[21][22]
For his involvement as an ally in the 1968 Olympics Black Power salute protest, Norman has appeared in many works of public art, as well as movies on the subject.
In August 2012, the Australian House of Representatives debated a motion to provide a posthumous apology to Norman.[31][32][33] The chamber passed an official apology motion on 11 October 2012, which read:[34]
15 PETER NORMAN
The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the motion of Dr Leigh— That this House:
(1) recognises the extraordinary athletic achievements of the late Peter Norman, who won the silver medal in the 200 metres sprint running event at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, in a time of 20.06 seconds, which still stands as the Australian record;
(2) acknowledges the bravery of Peter Norman in donning an Olympic Project for Human Rights badge on the podium, in solidarity with African-American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos, who gave the 'black power' salute;
(3) apologises to Peter Norman for the treatment he received upon his return to Australia, and the failure to fully recognise his inspirational role before his untimely death in 2006; and
(4) belatedly recognises the powerful role that Peter Norman played in furthering racial equality.
The original plan for the apology had point (3) state that the House: 'apologises to Peter Norman for the wrong done by Australia in failing to send him to the 1972 Munich Olympics, despite repeatedly qualifying'. This acknowledgement of a punitive reaction by Australia to his support of Smith and Carlos was omitted from the final apology.[35][36]
In a 2012 interview advocating for the apology, Carlos said:[37]
There's no-one in the nation of Australia that should be honoured, recognised, appreciated more than Peter Norman for his humanitarian concerns, his character, his strength and his willingness to be a sacrificial lamb for justice.
After the parliamentary apology, the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and others disputed the claims made about Norman being ostracised for supporting Carlos and Smith. The AOC did not believe that Norman was owed an apology,[33] citing the following:
In 2018, the AOC awarded Norman posthumously the Order of Merit for his involvement of the 1968 protest, with AOC President John Coates stating: "I'm absolutely certain from all the history I've read that we didn't do the wrong thing by him. But I absolutely think we've been negligent in not recognising the role he played back then."[41]
| Year | Competition | Venue | Position | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1962 | Commonwealth Games | Perth, Western Australia | 6th S/F 1 ; 12/43 | 220 yards | 21.8(22.03)(−2.8) |
| 1966 | Commonwealth Games | Kingston, Jamaica | 6th Q/F ; 29/54 | 100 yards | 10.2(10.27)(−5.0) |
| 6th S/F 1 ; 10/56 | 220 yards | 21.2(0.0) | |||
| 3rd | 4×110 yards | 40.0 | |||
| 5th | 4×440 yards | 3:12.2 | |||
| 1968 | Olympic Games | Mexico City, Mexico | 2nd | 200 m | 20.0 (20.06)(+0.9) |
| 1969 | Pacific Conference Games | Tokyo, Japan | 4th | 100 m | 10.8(−0.1) |
| 1st | 200 m | 21.0(−0.1) | |||
| 1st | 4 × 100 m | 40.8 | |||
| 1970 | Commonwealth Games | Edinburgh, Scotland | 5th | 200 m | 20.86(+1.7) |
| DNF Heat1 ; 14th | 4 × 100 m | Dropped baton |
| Year | Competition | Venue | Position | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1965/66 | Australian Championships | Perth, Western Australia | 1st | 200 m | 20.9 (−1.2) |
| 1966/67 | Australian Championships | Adelaide, South Australia | 1st | 200 m | 21.3 |
| 1967/68 | Australian Championships | Sydney, New South Wales | 1st | 200 m | 20.5 (0.0) |
| 1968/69 | Australian Championships | Melbourne, Victoria | 2nd | 100 m | 10.6 (−0.5) |
| 1st | 200 m | 21.3 (−3.1) | |||
| 1969/70 | Australian Championships | Adelaide, South Australia | 1st | 200 m | 21.0 (−2.1) |
| 1971/72 | Australian Championships | Perth, Western Australia | 3rd | 200 m | 21.6 |
Later in life and posthumously, Norman received a number of honours from Australian sport bodies, including:
{{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help) - Total pages: 64 
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