Politics in the Olympics

The Olympics is a highly revered, ceremonious sporting event that was supposedly founded on the principle of bringing the world together for peace.  However, world politics has always managed to sneak in and make a worldwide statement.  During the 1968 Olympics two African Americans made a huge impact on the Civil Rights Movement for America. These two outstanding figures are gold medalist, Tommie Smith and bronze medalist John Carlos, brought politics into the Olympics to stand up for all African Americans.  There were several years of discrimination across a broken country that pretended like everything was fine for the rest of the world.  The stand of these two athletes removed the fabrication and brought out reality.  Their actions were not without consequence however, both were completely banned from future participation in the Olympics.  When they returned to US they had a very difficult time finding jobs and maintaining a stable lifestyle.   Another individual that participated in this eventful time that is often overlooked stood between these two great athletes, Peter Norman.  Peter Norman was an Australian athlete that raced against Carlos and Smith, placing in second in the 200 meter dash.  Despite Norman’s extraordinary athletic abilities he was a very well just man, raised to treat everyone equally despite differences of color, ethnicity, or religious beliefs.  At the time of the medal ceremony he took the boldest step of his career and wore a civil rights badge.  Ironically enough his stance for social activism backfired his athletic career.  Norman qualified several times to the ’72 Olympics but was not allowed to participate.  Australia did not even have the courtesy to invite him to partake in the ceremony held in Sydney in 2000.  Nevertheless, his incredible efforts were not in vain when the Track and Field Federation awarded him October 6^th or official Peter Norman Day.  So if politics is inevitable is there a way to work around it?  This is a very hard question to answer, especially in situations where the political statements are necessary. However, the impartiality of the Olympics is necessary to be able to run properly.  I guess we just have to be thankful for those athletes that are willing to set aside their dreams to do something better for the world.