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Wednesday June 19, 2013

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MP wants formal apology to Peter Norman

Posted by: Ned Franklin | 21 August, 2012 - 10:15 AM
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Labor MP Andrew Leigh is campaigning the Australian government to formally apologise to the family of late 1968 silver-medalist Olympian Peter Norman for not sending him to the 1972 Munich games.

Norman stood on the Olympic podium with American gold and bronze medalists Tommie Smith and John Carlos in Mexico City and wore an Olympic Project for Human Rights badge as a show of solidarity for equal rights.  In the iconic photo, Smith and Carlos are shown giving the Black power salute. 

Leigh told 3AW Sports Today's Gerard Healy and Dwayne Russell that Norman is a 'great Australian story who should be better known.'

"Two African-Americans decided they'd take a stand against racial inequality.  Norman didn't hesitate, he said I'll stand with you.  Carlos and Smith say when they looked at him they expected to see fear, but they only saw love," Leigh said.

Leigh contends that Norman was ostracised by the Australian media and athletics officials for taking a stand in 1968 which might've factored into their decision to leave him off the 1972 sprint team.

"It's not clear what happened in 1972 but he ran qualifying times and was not selected for those Olympics.  But there's no doubt we didn't provide Norman with the role he deserved in that opening and closing ceremony," Leigh said.

However, the Australian Olympic Committee yesterday said it would not support a parliamentary motion to recognise Norman's life and achievements.

Life magazine declared the 1968 podium moment one of the most influential images of the 20th century.

Norman died in 2006 but his 91-year old Mother and Brother Laurie were on hand when federal MP's praised his courage and heroism last night in Canberra.

His 20.06 time in the 200m sprint is still an Australian record.

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PLAY: Labor MP Andrew Leigh says all Australians should be proud of Peter Norman

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Sports Today Former AFL stars Dwayne Russell and Gerard Healy keep you informed about the game all year round, but particularly in-season. When AFL takes a break, the boys ensure all of your sporting requirements are met.

 

Blog comments Your Say

  • I agree the government to formally apologise to the family of late 1968 silver-medalist Olympian Peter Norman for not sending him to the 1972 Munich games. Peter was loved by the American athletic community more than his own. A true Australian Sporting hero.

    Michelle Tuesday 21 August, 2012 - 11:03 AM

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