Lots of people recognize this picture from the medal ceremony at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. It was a silent protest against racial discrimination the black people suffered in the US until the 70s. People remember Tommie Smith and John Carlos, but usually forget Peter Norman. This Aussie sprinter died a couple of days ago. Norman, on the dais by virtue of claiming silver in a still-standing Australian record of 20.06 seconds, wore a human rights badge in solidarity and later publicly supported the protest despite the ensuing furore.
As Carlos said yesterday, "it wasn't about black or white. It was just about humanity, faith in God and faith in making it a better world." Mr. Norman, RIP
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