1972 Summer Olympics

The 1972 Summer Olympics were held in Munich, West Germany, from August 26 to September 11. The Games are remembered for the Munich massacre, in which Palestinian militants killed 11 members of the Israeli team.

Munich massacre: The killing of 11 Israeli Olympic team members by Palestinian militants during the 1972 Munich Olympics. The attack became the defining tragedy of the Games.
Munich: A major city in southern Germany and the capital of Bavaria. The city hosted the 1972 Games and gave them their familiar name.
Olympic Games: An international multisport event held every four years under the authority of the International Olympic Committee. The Munich edition followed the wider Olympic format and institutions.
Olympic security: Measures used to protect athletes, officials, spectators, and venues at the Olympic Games. The massacre prompted a lasting expansion of security planning for future Games.
Mark Spitz: American swimmer who won seven gold medals at the 1972 Summer Olympics. His seven victories set a record for gold medals won at one Olympics.
West Germany: The Federal Republic of Germany, established in 1949 and reunified with East Germany in 1990. It was the host country and shaped the Games' political setting.
International Olympic Committee: The international organization that governs the Olympic Movement and awards the Olympic Games. It oversaw the Games and faced decisions during the hostage crisis.
Olympic Truce: A tradition and modern diplomatic initiative calling for a pause in hostilities during the Olympic period. The attack starkly contradicted the ideal of peaceful competition associated with the Games.
Lasse Virén: Finnish distance runner who won the 5,000- and 10,000-meter races at the 1972 Olympics. His victories included a world record in the 5,000 meters.
1960 Summer Olympics: The Summer Olympics held in Rome from August 25 to September 11, 1960. Rome's preceding Summer Games provide a comparison for Munich's Olympic staging.

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