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One of the most powerful images of the twentieth century was taken in 1968 at the Olympics in Mexico, when two African American athletes raised black-gloved hands at the victory ceremony. This was a turbulent time when battles for civil and human rights were raging in America and many other parts of the world. Interestingly, as we draw close to the opening of the Olympics in Beijing, battles for the same rights are still evident. This emotionally-charged documentary brings together the three men on the dais that day as they share their stories. Archival footage recreates the events leading up to the famous salute as the men talk about their motivations.
Apart from hearing from the two famous American sprinters, the film lets us know about the quiet Australian athlete who is the ‘white guy in the picture’. Dying of a heart attack in 2006 (before the completion of the documentary), Peter Norman was vilified by Australian authorities for his part in the political statement, and never had a chance to tell his story before now. Written, directed and produced by his nephew Matt Norman, the film tells of a man who was a legend in America, but unknown and unrecognised in his own country even though his record for the 200m still stands 40 years later.
This documentary had a huge impact on the audience at the preview screening. Peter Norman pointed out that it was not a black versus white issue but a statement about fairness and equality. Despite the Olympic motto including sentiments about fairness and fighting well, his life was forever affected for personifying those values. This untold story needs to be seen by all Australians. Salute shows from July 17 at Cinema Paradiso.
Salute is rated PG and directed by Matt Norman.
