Carlos, Smith to Receive Arthur Ashe Award

What a disgrace. Peter Norman is a real hero. He was courageous in his stance in 68 and I am stunned he was not also honoured with a ESPY. Peter Norman continued to pay the price for his support throughout his life when he simply could've stood aside and done nothing that day. I have only recently read to much disapointment that Peter Norman was not invited to the Sydney Olympics on 2000! To think that 32 years had passed and the man could still not be honoured in his own country is a real tragedy. I have been searching the web today as I had heard Tommy Smith & John Carlos had recieved the award and heard no mention of Norman's contribution. Thanks for the tip, I will not bother to watch the awards but will instead go to watch "Salute". Congratulations Matt on keeping Peter Norman's legacy alive. He was a great man.

Miriam

My name is Matt Norman. I am the nephew of Peter Norman who came second in the race at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. I was contacted by the people involved at the ESPY'S about using footage from the film SALUTE which is the only footage of Tommie Smith, John Carlos and Peter Norman together telling the actual truth of what happened during 1968. I even sent the film SALUTE for them to look at and they promised that Peter Norman would also be up for this award as he lost an incredible amount for standing up for African American rights during a time when we had our own problems of racism here in Australia.

After receiving the film I heard nothing back. I congratulate Tommie and John for this award but I'm incredibly saddened by ESPNs lack of professionalism to get back to me in relation to Peter Norman who stood for the rights of African American's during a very dangerous time in history as a white man to be recognized in these awards. I think America will wonder why Peter is not to be recognized when the film SALUTE being distributed by Paramount Pictures is released in your country is screened later this year.

I don't want to take anything away from Tommie and John but isn't it time Peter Norman who passed away in 2006 of a heart attack is also recognized for his contributions to the cause. More info about the film can be seen at www.salutethemovie.com I hope American's can see that one hero in this saga is always left out except for the words "He was the white guy in the photo”.

The Awards for Tommie and John to me are a smack in the face to the memory of Peter Norman. Remember, he came second in that race and stood up for African American rights even though as a white man from Australia would be persecuted back home. He also still holds the record in Australia 40 years on.

I am incredibly angry with the organisers of the ESPY’s for lying to me and also dishonouring Peter Norman’s memory. They wanted exclusive access to the film that took me 5 years to make and a film that cost me my own family home to complete. But hey, let’s award America... Forget about those that earned the right to stand on that dais and that because of their own race (WHITE) are now left off all ceremonies. At San Jose State University there is an amazing statue of Tommie Smith and John Carlos, but where is Peter Norman. His spot has been left open for happy snappers to have their photo taken next to the U.S Sprinters. Peter had always stood for their cause until the day he died. I would like American’s to stand for the man who tried to make a difference by lending his support and also sacrificing his own Olympic dreams to look after those that couldn’t look after themselves.

Shame on you ESPN for lying to me. Shame on you ESPN for showing me that this honour is not worthy of the respect Peter Norman gave to the cause, shame on you ESPN for telling the World that “The White Guy” was nothing more than a bystander.

Kindest Regards

Matt Norman
Director / Producer