Political Exploit Of Olympic Games

Question 1

Berlin

Answer 1

1936
Nazi propaganda used to demonstrate might of nazi party
German athletes trained full time (against Olympic philosophy)
But black American Jesse owens dominated the games winning 4 gold medals
Hitler refused to present owens medals

Question 2

Mexico City

Answer 2

1968
Period of raised awareness of racism
During 200m medal ceremony American athletes Tommie smith and John Carlos wore black gloves and no shoes and raised their fists protesting against racial inequality in the USA
Suspended from the games

Question 3

Munich

Answer 3

1972
Palestine and Israel have been involved with a long standing conflict
Terrorist group entered olympics and took 11 Israel members hostage
They demanded release of 234 Palestinians held in Israeli prison which was refused
Rescue attempt went wrong and all hostages 5 terrorists and a policeman were killed
Games continued

Question 4

Moscow

Answer 4

1980
In 1979 Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan
Boycott of the 1980 games lead by the USA was an attempt to force host county to halt military invasion
More than 60 invited nations did not take part

Question 5

Los Angeles

Answer 5

1984
Boycott of soviet union
Official reason was fear over lack of security by the hosts and anti soviet propaganda
Possibly real reason was retaliation

Question 6

All of the political exploits

Answer 6

Berlin 1936
Mexico 1968
Munich 1972
Moscow 1980
Los Angeles 1984