MUNICH 1972

September 5, 1972, was the blackest day in Olympic history. Six Palestinians broke through the perfunctory security in the village, joined two others already there and made their way to the Israeli headquarters. Two Israelis were killed and nine taken hostage. In a subsequent battle, all nine hostages were killed, plus five of the Palestinians and a policeman.

In a controversial decision IOC president Avery Brundage decided the Games would go ahead, although every event was inevitably overshadowed by the hostage tragedy.

Mark Spitz surpassed Schollander with seven gold medals in the pool and the tiny Soviet gymnast Olga Korbut captivated millions of televison viewers with her performances in the separate apparatus competitions.

Finn Lasse Viren revived memories of his remarkable predecessors with gold medals in the 5,000 and the 10,000 metres and the versatile Kenyan Kip Keino, winner of the 1,500 four years earlier, won the steeplechase.