When Peter Norman split the black American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos in the final of the 200 metres in Mexico City Olympic Games in 1968, he earned himself a niche forever inside one of the most controversial moments in Olympic history.

Smith and Carlos had personal memories of race riots in Alabama, and together on the victory rostrum as the US flag was raised and the anthem played they stared downwards and raised black-gloved fists in a black power salute – a gesture of anger and defiance.

Norman, who won the silver medal, stood beside them on the victory dais, wearing a civil rights button in support.  He made clear his sympathy later when he told reporters: “Every man is born equal, and should be treated that way”.