Summary

Who is Peter Norman? He's the greatest Australian hero you don't know.

Peter Norman is the 'forgotten man' in one of the most powerful and influential photos of all time.

Peter is in the photo because he won Australia a silver medal at the 1968 Mexico Olympics after running the 200 metres in 20.06 seconds. In 2018, 50 years on, it is still the Australian record.

But Peter Norman is a hero to millions today not for the race or the record, but for what he did next.

Hearing of US medallists John Carlos and Tommie Smith's plans to protest against the appalling lack of basic equal rights for African-Americans, Peter pinned an Olympic Project for Human Rights badge on his green and gold tracksuit and said: 'I'll stand with you.'

That act of solidarity cost Peter Norman everything. All three men were cast into exile, their lives sent spiralling. But it secured a unique friendship – and a legend that, in its 50th anniversary, is more powerful than ever.

This is the extraordinary story of the man behind the photo and a moment that changed the world. It's a strange odyssey of a working-class, Salvation Army-raised boy from Melbourne who became a global icon for equality and courage, yet who remained an enigma to even those closest to him.

Each time Smith and Carlos speak about the "Black Power salute" they do not fail to mention Peter's role. Consequently, Peter is respected and revered by many in US sport.

It's a story about taking a stand and inspiring people everywhere to stand with you. The story of a unique hero who has gone unsung for too long. The Peter Norman Story.

About the Authors

Andrew Webster is chief sports writer for The Sydney Morning Herald. He has authored several books, ghost-written some others and covered Olympics and World Cups all over the planet. Andrew appears regularly on TV and radio.

Matt Norman is the nephew of Peter Norman and the writer, director and producer of the acclaimed 2008 documentary Salute about his uncle. He is currently writing Peter's story for a Hollywood film.