In the recently concluded T20 series between India and New Zealand, there were instances of spectators flashing slogans shaming on-field cricketers previously accused of misconduct. One girl raised it as "Pandya Aaj Karke Aaya Kya?"- in an apparent jibe over the distasteful Coffee Hardik Pandya sipped at Karan Johar's show. Another raised a slogan "No Means No", a #MeToo inspired campaign pointing to NZ all rounder Scott Kuggeleijn who was cleared off after an internal investigation.
Hijacking attention at widely telecast events to bring attention to a social cause or belief (good or bad), is nothing new in sports. Sports teams do it every now and then to raise awareness with uniforms for breast cancer (Pink Test), armbands to protest or show solidarity, or in recent times, kneeling at US national anthem playing to express dissent over human rights abuse in African American communities.
But the most shining and controversial example that springs to mind is 1968 Mexico Olympics. 200 Meter Track and Field saw America Tommie Smith and Jon Carlos winning Gold and Bronze respectively, with an Australian Peter Norman clinching Silver, setting an Oceanic record. This felicitation ceremony is remembered for this iconic photograph of Tommie and Jon raising their fists towards high heavens and bowing their heads down while 'star spangled banner' played. This Human Rights Salute became popular as Black Power Salute, a gesture of protest against the atrocities committed on African American communities. Unlike present day, where Cricket New Zealand apologized for escorting those spectators out as an over reaction, these brave American sportsmen had put their whole career on stake. While the coward Australian just stood there.
Isn't that the first reaction you get seeing the picture? Looks can be deceiving, no? Let me tell you the not so famous story of one of the bravest athletes of all time.
Before the medal ceremony, Jon and Tommie spoke to Peter- the silver winner, about what they planned to do. They had anticipated fear in Peter's eyes, but all they saw was faith and love. Peter coming from a religious family background himself, supported their just cause and wore like them an OPHR (Olympic Project for Human Rights) badge at podium. A major political controversy erupted at international level and the two american athletes who caused it, were ready for the price they might pay once they return home. Sanctions, bans, even police arrest perhaps. They knew however, that there is a huge community standing alongside them.
But the Australian who could have easily turn down the request to show solidarity, stood by his own courage of conviction. On his return, he was publicly ostracized, suffered social ridicule and faced unofficial sanctions despite clocking superior timings. He couldn't qualify by winning, stood third amidst injury for the qualification race to Munich Olympics in 1972, or as one correspondent wrote- "rather ran himself out". His sports career and personal life slowly descended into obscurity hereon till he eventually died on 3rd Oct, 2006 of cardiac arrest.
In a country that prides itself for Sports, Peter Norman was obviously not its most accomplished sportsperson. But he was perhaps the most courageous of them all. In his fellow bronze winner Jon Carlos's words- "If we were getting beat up, Peter was facing an entire country and suffering alone. There's no-one in the nation of Australia that should be honored, recognized, appreciated more than Peter Norman for his humanitarian concerns, his character, his strength and his willingness to be a sacrificial lamb for justice."
When he wasn't recognized at 2000 Sydney Olympics among fellow former Australian Olympians and didn't receive any tickets as Australian Olympics Committee thought they didn't owe him any apology, it is believed the US authorities invited him within their own quota. The US Track and Field Federation also recognized his funeral day 9th Oct as Peter Norman Day in gratitude. Following their cue, or better late than never, Australian Parliament issued a posthumous apology on 11th Oct 2012 to Peter Norman for mistreatment and acknowledged his conviction, valor and achievements in athletics and furthering racial equality.
Jon Carlos and Tommie Smith were pallbearers at his funeral on 9th Oct, 2006 and delivered riveting eulogies, 38 years after they made history together. In 2003, the state university in San Jose, California unveiled a statue in commemoration of the historical podium stand of 1968. In place of Peter Norman remains an empty spot, intending the viewers to 'take a stand' themselves too.
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