Norman's time of 20.06 secs remains an Australian record but the event was more memorable for the podium protest of Americans Tommie Smith and John Carlos who won the gold and bronze medals.

They wore black gloves, bowed their heads and performed a black power salute while the U.S. national anthem was played.

Norman, who recently underwent triple heart bypass surgery, wore a human rights badge in support of his American rivals.

"I was happy to identify with (Smith) and the principles he believed in," Norman said.

Norman won five Australian 200 metres titles from 1966 to 1970 and later worked in sports administration.