The Nineteenth Olympic Games were held in Mexico City in 1968. On the 16th of October 1968 the 200 meters Men’s track event was coming to a dramatic end. Tommie smith finished the race in first position, with a world record time of 19.38 seconds and the second position and finishing with a national record Peter Norman from Australia with a time of 20.06 seconds. Soon to come third place was American John Carlos with a time of 20.10 seconds. Not only did these men change sporting history but perhaps more they also changed human rights history.
In America in 1968, the civil rights movement was at its very height. For years, African Americans had struggled to get equal rights as Americans and with the civil rights movement and activist trying to make a change by protesting and rioting to end the racial segregation. At the time, several segregation was put in place to divide the people of colour and white Americans. The Jim Crows Law a state and local law put in place in 1890 by the government in southern states; this law had a huge disadvantage to the African Americans as it had impact to their education and how they were treated in society. The laws main purpose of being put in
…show more content…
African American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos were deeply concerned about how they would be treated when stepping out on the podium to receive the medal. The two men had a desire to make a change. Not only did Tommie and John have the urge to make a difference but also Peter did not want to portray himself as a helpless or disinterested bi-stander on the medallists’ podium the day of their 200-meter win. He wanted to show his support in whatever way he could. As Peter as an interest in being apart in a changing history. Peter was aware at the time of the racial protesting outpour that was occurring in America and he was witnessing the similarities with the indigenous Australians trying to