AOC Media Centre - 1968 Mexico City

Black Salute Medal Presentation Mexico 1968(L to R) Australian Peter Norman and Americans Tommy Smith and John Carlos, during the controversial 'black salute' medal presentation for the 200 metres at the Mexico 1968 Olympic Games.

Peter Norman Silver SalutePeter Norman finished in between the black American sprinters Tommy Smith and John Carlos in the final of the 200 metres at Mexico City in 1968. Not only did he set the Australian Record (20.0, still stands in 2014), he earned himself a niche forever in one of the most controversial moments in Olympic history.

1968 Olympic Games - Peter NormanExplore the participation of Australian Olympian Peter Norman at the 1968 Olympic Games and his involvement in the black power salute.

Peter Norman's family accept AOC Order of MeritOn the eve of World Olympic Day, the Australian Olympic Committee presented the family of the late Olympian Peter Norman an Order of Merit at a special ceremony in Melbourne.

Photo Finish of Men's 200m Mexico 1968Scan of the original photo finish print of the Men's 200m at the Mexico 1968 Games. Tommy Smith (gold, USA), Peter Norman (silver, AUS), John Carlos (bronze, USA). This print had the signature of all medallists on the back.

Aussies compete in the 4x100m relayThe Australian team finishes in 5th place

Ron Clarke competes in the 10,000m in MexicoRon Clarke was the first no-altitude based runner to finish when he placed 6th at Mexico City, The IOC claimed altitude in Mexico would not effect events, however many runners pulled out from exhaustion. Clarke later collapsed and was unconscious. He suffered heart damage which impacted him for the rest of his days.

Frank Clark in 20km walkFrank Clark comes in 16th place out of 34 contestants in the men's 20km walk at the Mexico City 1968 Olympics. Copyright IOC.

Peter Norman wins silver in 200m finalDuring the medal ceremony two US athletes staged a peaceful protest. Norman showed his support by wearing a badge of equality. Norman's fantastic run in 1968 still stands as the Australia record in 2015.

Aussies compete in the 200m finalRaelene Boyle finishes in 4th place and Dianna Burg finishes 6th in the 200m Athletics final

Kerry O'Brian competes in the steeple chaseKerry O'Brian sits in 3rd for most of the race until kenyan, Amos Biwott, races from 5th to win the gold medal. O'Brian finishes 4th, 0.02 seconds behinds USA Bronze

No Dampened SpiritsMexico 1968: American athlete Wyomia Tyus wipes rain from her cheek during the 100m event medal ceremony. Tyus won gold while American runner Barbara Ferewell won silver and Polish runner Irene Szewinski won bronze.

Political StanceMexico 1968: The USA team which won the 4x400 metres relay in a world record breaking performance leave the arena, holding aloft clenched fists. Demonstrations, commercial or political, in the Olympic arena are forbidden under the IOC Charter. At t

USA CleansweepMexico 1968: L-R: American runners Lee Evans, Larry James and Ronnie Freeman hold their hands up in a Black Power salute while walking with an escort after the medal award ceremony The athletes competed in the final 4 x 400 meter race. Evans took th

Fosbury FlopMexico 1968: Dick Fosbury of the USA clears the bar in the high jump competiton with his dramatic new jumping style. Under his influence the style changed from the action of a run in, with a spring off the left foot to straddle the right leg and bod

British GoldMexico 1968: David Hemery of Great Britain leads the field during the 400 metres Hurdles event. Hemery won the gold medal.

Altitude SicknessMexico 1968: Two athletes fall victim to the high altitudes of the Games.

Discus StrongholdMexico 1968: Discus thrower Al Oerter of the USA winning one of his four Olympic discus titles, between 1956 and 1968.