The Story Behind The White Guy In This Historic Photo 

Currently attending SJSU, from what we have heard, Norman was asked by the statue makers if he wanted to be included, He declined and instead suggested that his place be left open for students and others to have the opportunity to stand alongside those incredible athletes.

To clarify, I believe they were going to put him on the statue and he said no. He said leave it empty, so that anyone who wanted to take his spot beside them and stand up for Civil Rights would have a place. His spot, he said, was for everyone...

Peter Norman actually asked to be left off the statue so that anyone could take his place and be an ally. John Carlos shares this.

When i saw Carlos and Smith carry Normans coffin, i was in tears.

Those men never ever forgot what Peter Norman did that day, they went to his funeral. Travelled a long way to it and carried his coffin. Absolutely unbelievable attitude from the Australian. The forgotten hero.

When the statue's were being made of the three of them, Peter Norman said, let my spot stand empty so that when people take a picture, they can stand in my spot and take a stand for equality. People with the character of Peter Norman are hard to come by.

The reason why Peter Norman asked not to put his statue up, was because he wanted to leave his spot on the podium for anyone to stand in solidarity for racial inequality. Rip you legend.

I'm an Australian and what you say is true......it was yet another shameful episode in Australia's history. Norman is now belatedly seen as a hero in Australia.....he died awhile back and Carlos and Smith attended his funeral in Australia. A great man who did not deserve the treatment he received. He deserves a statue!

As an Australian, thank you for covering this. Peter Norman was a hero and I never thought Americans would know of his role in this moment in history.

Peter Norman won more than a stupid medal. He got two friends for life. That’s worth so much more.

The great thing about Peter Norman was is understated morality - he knew he was not black and therefore could not pretend to put himself in the place of American or Australian people of colour - what he could do is give them every support in that quiet way he had - and that's what he did as a human being of integrity and honesty

Norman actually wanted the statue at San Jose State like that. When John Carlos saw it he was pissed and they told him that’s what Norman wanted and he didn’t believe it. He went to the office of the President of the University and demanded they get Norman on the phone, and Norman explained that he wanted that pedestal to be empty so anyone visiting could stand where he stood, in solidarity with Carlos and Smith.

That statue of Carlos and Smith was going to include a depiction of Peter Norman as well but he asked for the silver medal position to be left vacant so that visitors could stand with Carlos and Smith in their own protest. The man had class.

Peter Norman isn’t on that statue because he wanted others to be able to stand like he did

I am an Australian, and I knew that Peter Norman got the Silver medal, but i had no idea of the rest of this story. Watching this video makes me both proud, and ashamed. Ashamed that I knew nothing of this hero, ashamed of our 'white Australia policy' which persisted until 1972. Ashamed that our indigenous people were only recognised as Australians in 1967. Before then, they were counted as part of the flora and fauna and not as people. Even today, we are making unacceptable progress, and by the way, we have our own problem of Aboriginal deaths in Police custody which has been going on for decades. But hearing the Peter Norman story also makes me proud. This bloke represents the Australia that I belong to, the Australia that I love. Where you do right, because it is right. Thanks, Peter Norman, thanks.

As a black man in the U S now just hearing this I sit in tears with a full heart, and a new hero.

Dammit I'm crying. He was a hero.

Can we start a petition to get him on the statue?

Don’t know why this is being referred again but Peter Norman was ahead of his time and he’s someone we in Australia should be more proud of. He never did this for fame, he did this because he grew up in a divided Australia, and wanted to see better. Peter Norman is a legend and always will be.

As an Aussie I'm extremely proud of the actions Peter Norman took during those Olympics and his rightful beliefs he took to his grave. I'm also grateful and proud of those two Americans who took the time to come to my country and pay their respects. Three great men is what I see about that moment in time.

In the last couple of days, it has been announced that they are building a statue of him in Australia.

I didn't know about Peter Norman, and his story of support for Tommie and John. What a disgrace from the Australian government to treat their hero like shit because he stood up for civil rights.

All Indian students who are studying under the Central Board of Education learn about this in grade 8. We were taught about all three of them. In fact, when Norman died, Smith and Carlos were the pallbearers at his funeral.

He was asked whether he should be part of the statue: He suggested this would allow visitors to stand in his spot on the podium, in solidarity with the civil rights movement for years to come.

I am an Indian .I knew of Peter Norman from my school ,he was introduced to us by our PT teacher as a hero ,who came in second someone who was then an untuchable in his nation but did the right thing to support their struggle .he told us Mr Norman is the perfect example of sportsmenship

The statue of the podium left Norman out because the creators of the statue wanted the visitor to stand in the place where Norman stood. To show that even if you are not a victim of equality, you don’t need to be a bystander.

I heard about this story. Brilliant. He's the one who gave the gloves to Tommie and Carlos. And backed them until his death, even though his home country Australia turned its back on him. And to add, his time is still an Australian record, 52 years on!!! He could've been the greatest track and field athlete Australia ever produced. The way I look at it, he's a brother in our fight against racism and injustices. *Rest In Power,* Norman. ✊

It was Norman's choice not to be on the san jose state statue, he wanted it left vacant so people could stand where he stood.

Norman is not included in the university monument so viewers can be in his place; there is a plaque in the empty spot inviting those to "Take a Stand." Norman requested that his space was left empty so visitors could stand in his place and feel what he felt.

I knew Peter Norman. he was treated disgracefully here in Australia. His life was ruined yet he said he was proud of what he did at the Olympics. Sadly he died and it's only after his death that he finally received the recognition that he deserved.

John Carlos and Tommy Smith both brought their gloves to Australia for Peter Norman’s funeral. The gloves were buried along with him.

It took decades and Norman's death for him to get an apology. That is sad and pathetic.

This was hard to listen to, imagine your own country betraying you for doing what was right

It was the wish of Norman to not be part of the statue in front of the San Jose University so that other people can stand there as well in solidarity with Smith and Carlos and in support of the OPHR cause. Great guys, all three of them!

What's more disturbing is that people look at this picture and see a racist who didn't raise a fist in solidarity. This couldn't be further from the truth.

That incident was an absolute disgrace and one that I am still personally ashamed of what my country did this to great human being. It is still hard to fathom it was only 8 years ago that the apology happened. Norman's nephew made a documentary in 2008 called 'Salute" & in it made many references to the way he was ostracized, many references and with examples. Even though the AOC didn't include him in in the 2000 Olympics, 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. A final piece; 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. Well done to them! RIP: Peter Norman.

As an Australian we should have a statue of Peter Norman. He is my hero and I am an Australian Aborigine who was forcibly taken from my family in 1968 when I was 2 years old. We can learn from these remarkable people who choose to stand up for what is right no matter the conseqences. Thank you TYT for covering this. He deserved more and I only hope we learn from his actions and dedication to humanity and equality. A true Olympian and human being.

Did everyone get recommended this today?

As a black man I say this fellow needs to have his statue added next to the others, he deserves every bit of acknowledgement, because even in his own country when given an opportunity to redeem himself at the cost of his dignity and humanity he boldly denied that man is a damn HERO 110% 👏👏👏

Shame on Australia for treating a National hero like that👎

Holy shit. Peter Norman was a giant of courage and morality. That is a terrible story.

They should really fix that statue.

I live in Melbourne, Australia, where Peter Norman was from. A statue of him was erected in Melbourne in October 2019 in honour of him.

Peter Norman is a true Aussie. Helping another man /woman when they need it the most. Absolute legend. Makes me proud to be australian.

They are erecting a statue to Peter Norman here in Melbourne, finally acknowledged here after the shameful treatment

wow ...respect for this guy and shame on all those who discriminated against these 3

Norman purposely asked that the statute NOT have him included so that people could stand on the statute in symbolic opposition to racism. The man had courage and principle.

What makes me upset is the fact nobody did right by him until he passed away.

I wonder if the trolls will come and complain about TYT's "narrative" on this story praising an obscure white guy as a civil rights hero deserving of more credit.

Very well delivered Cenk. Alot of people don't know that San Jose State University we're planning on erecting a statue of Norman too but when they called him and asked him about it he basically said that statue was put up to honor Carlos and Smith and he didn't want to draw away from what they were trying to accomplish. He said you can put a plaque up if you wish but to leave the platform vacant so anybody can symbolically stand up there against racial inequality. What a great selfless dude. It's sad to hear for the last thirty eight years of his life he suffered as a result of that one action of wearing the badge.

Seeing Tommie Smith and John Carlos carrying Peter Norman's casket made me cry...

To people saying what a scandal it is that he was left out of the statue, Peter Norman asked himself to be left out because he wanted other people to be able to stand next to these two great men. He considered that what he did that day is what we all should do and that everyone could and should do what he did that day. And to people bashing the guy because he happened to be white even though he supported what was right and chose to stay out of the picture, than I am sad you aren't able to see that Peter Norman was on the right side of history and refused to benefit from it personally. He just did the right thing as we should all do. Obviously, doing the right thing has to be harder when it comes with death threats, being pretty much forgotten by history until your death, being forbidden from doing the job you like even while you hold your country's record, but it was the right thing nonetheless, and I think that his actions shouldn't mean more or less because he was white. He never changed his mind, he stood for equality and he did so until the end. You can find footage of Collins and Carlos talking about him and see how the three of them had nothing but love and respect for each other.

As a African American, I wanna thank him and his family. Some times small things lead to blessings.

I have seen that photo many times. But I never knew the back story, it is mind blowing to know how much this man was put through because he stood up for two fellow athletes. Thank you for giving me the information. And Thank you Peter Norman for your selflessness. And for being a man of character! Thank you!

4:35 Regarding the statute at San Jose University, hero and my countryman Peter Norman chose to be left out: "Rather than be depicted in the installation [Norman] suggested his space on the platform be left empty. This allows visitors to stand in his spot on the podium, in solidarity with the civil rights movement for years to come." Atlas Obscura.

Peter Norman did not want a statue of himself - in his place people are encouraged to stand where he stood and “make a stand”. Also noteworthy is that his time in 1968 would have won gold in Sydney 2000.

What an amazing and tragic story. How did I just find out about this. That man is a hero.

A footnote: Peter Norman grew up in a Salvation Army family and said that it was belief in God that gave him the strength to stand as he did, "I knew I was part of something much bigger."

I’d genuinely like to know why people disliked this video

"if we were getting beat up, Peter was facing an entire country and suffering alone....

The reason why most statues of the podium do not include Norman is because he wanted people to be able to stand where he stood, amongst the two heroes, Carlos an Smit.

4:20 We should commission for a statue of Peter Norman to be included at the monument at San Jose State University. It's the right thing to do.

Carlos and Smith at Peters funeral ...their friend...this is worthy of a movie.These 3 are men of principle.

I'm glad this is being recommended after all these years.

from looking at the comments this has appeared in everyone's recommended at the same time

Norman died of a heart attack on 3 October 2006 in Melbourne at the age of 64. US Track and Field Federation proclaimed 9 October 2006, the date of his funeral, as Peter Norman Day. Thirty-eight years after the three made history, both Smith and Carlos gave eulogies and were pallbearers at Norman's funeral. At the time of his death, Norman was survived by his second wife, Jan, and their daughters, Belinda and Emma, his first wife, Ruth, and children, Gary, Sandra and Janita, and four grandchildren. 2012 Parliamentary apology debate: The apology In August 2012, the Australian Parliament debated a motion to provide a posthumous apology to Norman. On 11, October 2012, the Australian Parliament passed the wording of an official apology that read: “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 silvermedal in the 200 metres sprint running event at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, in a time of 20.06seconds, which still stands as the Australian record;(2) acknowledges the bravery of Peter Norman in donning an Olympic Project for Human Rightsbadge on the podium, in solidarity with African-American athletes Tommie Smith and JohnCarlos, who gave the ‘black power’ salute;(3) apologises to Peter Norman for the wrong done by Australia in failing to send him to the 1972Munich Olympics, despite repeatedly qualifying; and(4) belatedly recognises the powerful role that Peter Norman played in furthering racial equality-Debate resumed by Dr Leigh who moved, by leave, as an amendment-Omit paragraph (3), substitute:(3) apologises to Peter Norman for the treatment he received upon his return to Australia, and thefailure to fully recognise his inspirational role before his untimely death in 2006; andDebate continued. Question-That the amendment be agreed to-put and passed. Question-That the motion, as amended, be agreed to-put and passed. -- Australian House of Representatives [22] ” In a 2012 interview, Carlos said:[23] “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.” Apology claims disputed: The Australian Olympic Committee has disputed the claims made in the Australian Parliament apology about Norman paying a price in supporting Carlos and Smith. The AOC made the following comments: Norman was not punished by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC).[24] He was cautioned by Chef de Mission Judy Patchingthe evening of the medal ceremony and then given as many tickets as he wanted to go and watch a hockey match.[24]Norman was not selected for the 1972 Munich Olympics as he did not meet the selection standard which entailed an athlete equaling or better the Olympic qualifying standard (20.9)[25] and performing creditably at the Australian Athletics Championships.[26]Norman ran several qualifying times from 1969-1971[27] but he finished third in the 1972Australian Athletics Championships behindGreg Lewis and Gary Eddy in a time of 21.6.[27]At the time 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".[28] Norman did not tell the selectors he was carrying a knee injury.[28] 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".[29]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 very much acknowledged as an Olympian and the AOC valued his contribution."[24] 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. The AOC did not believe that Norman was owed an apology.[30] It has been stated that United States authorities invited him to participate in the 2000 Sydney Olympics after they found out he was not attending.[31] On 17 October 2003,San Jose State University unveiled a statue commemorating the 1968 Olympic protest; Norman was not included as part of the statue itself - his empty podium spot intended for others viewing the statue to "take a stand" - but was invited to deliver a speech at the ceremony.

He wasn’t left off the monument of at San Jose State University. He himself suggested it be left blank so others could stand on the monument in solidarity and support, like he did in 1968.

Peter Norman. The quiet, unknown hero, condemned by his people for wanting equal rights and justice finally getting justice when nothing was to be gained and left this life a quiet hero.

I'm really glad you guys linked to this video hears down the line because I've never known this story. Peter Norman is the shining example of what an ally is and should be. You don't do it because you want the recognition or to be held up as the hero for that moment, you do it because you know its the right thing.

Now this is an example of what history books leave out

As an Aussie, too few people know about Norman. He has been a hero of mine for years now, an Australian hero. I will just say, Australia is not passed it’s history, then in 2000 and now in 2020.

" A man that doesn't stand for something, will fall for anything".... Thanks for standing for something Peter Norman

I think at this point it's only right to put him on the statue too.

he shouldn't just be added to the existing statue, he should have his own statue as well

I am an Indian and I still remember the paragraph in my history text book saying Carlos and Smith was his pearl bearers. Norman's actions are appreciated.

If anyone’s wondering he does have a statue outside of lakeside stadium in Melbourne

Honestly, Australia apologizing in 2012, was already too late.

For the 550 people who disliked this, how can you? This man gave everything and was alienated.

Apparently Peter Norman was approached before the construction of the San Jose state and he asked to be excluded from it so people could take his place and stand with the other two

I hate it when people apologise after the person is Dead and GONE!!! Hypocrites...

I'm an old, gay man. In 1979 I came out to a buddy of mine. It was a time so very different from today.He stood by me. I had no choice in being gay but he chose to remain my friend in spite of the consequences. I will always be grateful.

From a grateful black guy: Thank you Peter, we will not forget you my brother - I'm so sorry you had to suffer alone. Hopefully you're in a better place now...thank you again Sir, and thank you Cenk.

I’m an Aussie and of the age to remember this happening. Peter Norman was treated absolutely disgustingly by the authorities as mentioned for many years. The final change of tune of course was all too late for Peter but for his family at long last they had a final win against those authorities they fought for so many years. At times you really do wonder how was this allowed to happen!!

In Australia today very few in the general public know that the white guy in that famous photo is one of them and fewer still know that he was in solidarity with the black athletes on the podium and the reprisals he faced in his home country over it. Just goes to show the lengths the Australian government went to ruin his career and legacy where his athletic achievements and his career as a whole isn't spoken about publicly. He has effectively been airbrushed out of the photo because he dared to stand against Australia's own racism. Something the conservatives in Australia despised him for and made him pay a terrible and unjustified price for.

We need more Peter Norman's and less Donald Trump's

Peter Norman needs to be put in the statue in San Diego.

Damn. That’s the cost a lot of Caucasian folks just aren’t willing to pay. That’s a heavy sacrifice and I’m grateful for him. May his soul Rest In Peace.

This made me cry and it just breaks my heart to think even his own country condemned him for standing up for his colleagues

Norman needs to be celebrated

The picture of Carlos and Smith carrying his casket straight up brought tears to my eyes. RIP Norman.

In year 2000 he was discriminated.😐 he died alone in 2006.Australia apologized in 2012! Yeah we haven’t gotten far at all in this world.... Quiet Hero

As an Australian it makes me proud but not proud at the same time. I can’t believe this isn’t spoken about.

Too little, too late, Australia.

I don't remember any Olympic athletes, but I will remember him. This is far better than anything he could have achieved as an athlete. What a hero.

Peter Norman should be on that statue. He's not there because he told them he did not want to be part of the statue. He wanted his spot on the statue to be a place where other people could stand and show their solidarity with Tommy and John.

The second place podium was left empty with Normans approval so that everyone can stand next to Carlos and Smith.

I'm crying, this is beyond reprehensible. The Australian government ruined that man's life, and issued and apology after he died!! At least his fellow Olympians were there in solidarity at his funeral. I've been to Australia, and it is a gorgeous country, but the racism there is on part with the US modern day racism.

Let me clarify: I HATE the way Peter Norman was treated. I have immense respect for his courage and steadfast conviction.

Shame on whoever didnt include Norman in that statue

They need to add Peter Norman to that statue.....