Statue: Peter Norman Statue: Peter Norman

50 years after playing a key role in one of the most iconic sporting moments of the 20th century, the late Australian sprinter and human rights advocate Peter Norman will be honoured with a statue in Melbourne.

The Coburg athlete finished second in the 200m at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, then famously stood on the medal dias with winner Tommie Smith and bronze medallist John Carlos as the US pair bowed their heads and raised gloved fists in a 'black power' salute to raise awareness of inequality.

Norman wore an Olympic Project for Human Rights pin on his tracksuit after telling gold medallist Smith and third placegetter Carlos he supported their stance.

Smith and Carlos were sent home from Mexico in disgrace by the US Olympic Committee, while Norman also suffered a backlash for his role in the Black Power salute.

Athletics Australia counterpart Mark Arbib said the recognition for Norman, who was posthumously awarded the Order of Merit by the Australian Olympic Committee earlier this year, was long overdue.

Peter George Norman (15 June 1942 - 3 October 2006)
Norman grew up in Coburg.
Norman died of a heart attack on 3 October 2006 in Melbourne at the age of 64.

The statue, to be erected outside Lakeside Stadium in Albert Park, is expected to be completed by mid-2019 .

❊ Location ❊

 Lakeside Stadium [ view ]
 30 Aughtie Drive Albert Park Victoria 3206 View Map
 Telephone: +61 3 9926 1555

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❊ Web Links ❊

➼ Statue: Peter Norman 






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