Berlin 1936 – The Nazi Olympics

Berlin was chosen to host the 1936 Olympic Games in 1931, but by the year of 1933, the Nazi were now in power in Berlin. Hitler saw these games as an opportunity to promote his racial beliefs and propaganda. Boycotts arose from various countries, which were quickly dismayed by Germany’s policies. Fortunately, the German government allowed qualified Jewish athletes in their team. This resulted in Helene Mayer representing Germany in fencing. Only 49 countries attended those games, and Germany won the most medals with a whopping 92 total medals.

London 1948 – Germany and Japan Banned

At the first Olympics after WWII, Germany and Japan weren’t invited, because of their rivalry during the war. During these Olympic Games in London, London was still recovering from the battle wounds, and so they used already ready and prepared equipment and accommodation, like Wembley Stadium being the Center of most events including the opening ceremony.

Melbourne 1956 – Two Protests

Two protests led to less than 67 counties participating. Egypt, Lebanon, and Iraq boycotted the games to protest the invasion from Israel and their allies into the Sinai Peninsula in October 1956.

Then the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland protested against the Soviet Army invading Budapest and Hungary, by pulling out of the games.

Mexico City 1968 – Tlateblco Massacre and Civil Rights Protest

Ten days before the Olympics, Mexican students were protesting against the use of government funding for the Olympic Games instead of social programs. Then the Mexican army opened fire killing over 200 protesters and injuring over 1000 people. This atrocity was later to be known as the Tlateblco Massacre.

Additionally, the U.S. sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos protested the “Black Lives Matter” campaign by raising a sing black gloved fist during their national anthem while on the podium. The Australian sprinter who came 2nd supported them by wearing a “Black Lives Matter” pin on his uniform. In result both U.S. sprinters were banned by the IOC and the U.S. Olympics Committee. Instead of coming home to a proud country, they were welcomed by crowds and police officers attacking them.

Munich 1972 – Munich Massacre

The 1972 Olympic Games were sadly ruined by an atrocity, led by Palestinian terrorists. On September 5th 1972, eight terrorists sneaked into the Olympic Village and killed two members of the Israeli team, while also taking eleven hostages. They tried to convince a trade of 200 Palestinian prisoners to be released, in return of those hostages returned back to safety. While the terrorists tried to escape with the hostages at the airport, German officers attempted to rescue the hostages and ended up in a shootout. Unfortunately their attempt was unsuccessful and a German officer and the hostages were killed. That day will forever be remembered throughout the world.

Rio De Janeiro 2016 – Refugee Olympics Team

The first ever Refugee Olympic Team (ROT) was created with ten refugee athletes from all around the world. This team was born to raise awareness to the refugee crisis, and changed all their athletes’ lives.