Aftermath

Norman’s career was ruined by his small, yet courageous, gesture of solidarity. He was ostracized by the sports community and the public back home, and was never allowed to participate in any Olympic games again.

As late as the year 2000, in anticipation of the Olympic games in Sydney, Norman was given an opportunity to re-emerge from obscurity. The Australian Olympic Committee urged him to condemn his actions and the actions of the two Americans 32 years earlier. In return, he would be allowed to make a VIP lap of honor at the games (BBC). Norman, then 58 years old, remained true to his principles, and rejected the invitation. He was the only Australian Olympian to be excluded from the lap.

It was only after his death in 2012 that justice was made for Peter Norman when the Australian Legislature issued a formal letter of apology.

To this day, he remains the fastest runner in Australian history, and his 20.06 seconds record for the 200 meter run remains standing.