Question

The silver medallist, white Australian athlete, Peter Norman, wore a human rights badge on his shirt during the medal ceremony of Mexico Olympics ________________.
A] To represent black poverty
B] To support the civil rights movement
C] To show his support to the Afro – American athletes
D] To show his anger for IOA

Answer 1

Hint: Black power was a political movement that occurred in the late 1900s against racism happening on American soil. Racial pride, economic empowerment, and the establishment of political and cultural institutions were emphasized during this movement through civil disobedience. There was an increase in demand for black history courses during this period, a greater embrace of African culture, and a spread of raw artistic expression showcasing African American realities.

Complete step by step answer:
At the medal ceremony for the men’s 200 meters in the 1968 Mexico Olympics, U.S. sprinter Tommie Smith alongside fellow American athlete John Carlos raised their fists in the air which were covered with a black glove. This was considered as one of the memorable acts of the Black Power salute, which aimed at highlighting the segregation and racism faced by their communities in the United States of America. It was an unforgivable scandal of the Olympics and both Smith and Carlos were sent home in disgrace later getting banned from the Olympics for life. They were considered as returning heroes by the black community for sacrificing their personal glory for the cause.
During the ceremony, Peter Norman, an Australian white athlete, who came second in the race decided to wear a badge that represented human rights in support of his fellow athletes. at the time he was criticized over the gesture and got banned from the Australian athletic team for life. His silent gesture becomes a powerful symbol in the world for celebrating equality and human rights later.

So, the correct answer is Option :

Note: Peter George Norman was an Australian track athlete who had an active career from 15 June 1942 to 3 October 2006. At the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, he won the silver medal in the 200 meters with a time of 20.06 seconds. This remains a record for Oceania. He was a five-time 200-meter national champion. Norman grew up in a devout family of the Salvation Army in Coburg, a Victoria suburb of Melbourne. Initially an apprentice butcher, Norman later became a teacher and worked until the end of his life for the Victorian Department of Sport and Recreation.