The iconic hooded face of Olympic terrorism. A Palestinian terrorist in Munich, 1972.
Anytime you gather huge groups of people together, there’s always a potential for disaster. I hate looking at it that way, but it’s true. Historically, what was supposed to bring out the best in the human spirit has often brought out the worst. In this particular case, I’m talking about the Olympic games, specifically the upcoming Summer Games in Paris. You couldn’t drag me there if you offered me a Scrooge McDuck-like swimming pool full of gold coins.
Why? Allow me to explain.
Munich 1972
For starters, there was the Munich Massacre. It stands as a harrowing episode etched in the annals of Olympic history. It is a stark reminder of how the specter of terrorism can shatter a global stage of unity and sportsmanship. On that fateful day in September 1972, during the Summer Olympics in Munich, West Germany, the world witnessed a tragedy that transcended the boundaries of sport, echoing the grim realities of political strife and terrorism.
It all began in the early hours of September 5, when a group of Palestinian terrorists (yeah, those guys) affiliated with the faction known as Black September infiltrated the Olympic Village. Their target: the Israeli Olympic team. In a calculated and heinous act, they took eleven Israeli athletes, coaches, and officials hostage. The demands were politically charged – the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. The world watched in horror as the crisis unfolded, holding its breath for a peaceful resolution. However, the situation deteriorated rapidly, leading to a botched rescue attempt by German authorities at the Fürstenfeldbruck air base. The outcome was devastating: by the end of that long night, all the Israeli hostages, along with five of the terrorists and a West German police officer, lay dead.
This tragic event cast a long shadow over the Olympic Games, forever altering its landscape. The Munich Massacre became a symbol of the vulnerability of such international gatherings to the whims of political extremism. It forced a reevaluation of security measures at future Olympics and highlighted the need for greater international cooperation against terrorism. More than just a blemish on the Olympic spirit, Munich 1972 is a poignant reminder of the fragile nature of peace and the enduring impact of political conflict on humanity’s grandest stages.
Atlanta 1996
Fast forward to the summer of 1996, the city of Atlanta, bustling with the energy of the Centennial Olympic Games, became the site of a sinister act that shook the core of the international sporting community. The Olympic Games, a symbol of global unity and peaceful competition, were jolted by an act of terror that would forever mark the memory of these Games. This is the story of the Atlanta Olympic bombing, a chilling reminder of the vulnerability of even the most celebratory and secure gatherings.
On July 27, the unthinkable happened in the heart of the festivities at Centennial Olympic Park, a bustling hub for visitors and athletes alike. A homemade pipe bomb, filled with nails and screws to maximize harm, exploded, cutting through the joyous atmosphere like a bolt of lightning. The blast claimed two lives – a spectator and a cameraman who suffered a heart attack rushing to cover the chaos – and injured over a hundred others, leaving a trail of devastation and fear.
Anytime you gather huge groups of people together, there’s always a potential for disaster. I hate looking at it that way, but it’s true. Historically, what was supposed to bring out the best in the human spirit has often brought out the worst. In this particular case, I’m talking about the Olympic games, specifically the upcoming Summer Games in Paris. You couldn’t drag me there if you offered me a Scrooge McDuck-like swimming pool full of gold coins.
Why? Allow me to explain.
Munich 1972
For starters, there was the Munich Massacre. It stands as a harrowing episode etched in the annals of Olympic history. It is a stark reminder of how the specter of terrorism can shatter a global stage of unity and sportsmanship. On that fateful day in September 1972, during the Summer Olympics in Munich, West Germany, the world witnessed a tragedy that transcended the boundaries of sport, echoing the grim realities of political strife and terrorism.
It all began in the early hours of September 5, when a group of Palestinian terrorists (yeah, those guys) affiliated with the faction known as Black September infiltrated the Olympic Village. Their target: the Israeli Olympic team. In a calculated and heinous act, they took eleven Israeli athletes, coaches, and officials hostage. The demands were politically charged – the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. The world watched in horror as the crisis unfolded, holding its breath for a peaceful resolution. However, the situation deteriorated rapidly, leading to a botched rescue attempt by German authorities at the Fürstenfeldbruck air base. The outcome was devastating: by the end of that long night, all the Israeli hostages, along with five of the terrorists and a West German police officer, lay dead.
This tragic event cast a long shadow over the Olympic Games, forever altering its landscape. The Munich Massacre became a symbol of the vulnerability of such international gatherings to the whims of political extremism. It forced a reevaluation of security measures at future Olympics and highlighted the need for greater international cooperation against terrorism. More than just a blemish on the Olympic spirit, Munich 1972 is a poignant reminder of the fragile nature of peace and the enduring impact of political conflict on humanity’s grandest stages.
Atlanta 1996
Fast forward to the summer of 1996, the city of Atlanta, bustling with the energy of the Centennial Olympic Games, became the site of a sinister act that shook the core of the international sporting community. The Olympic Games, a symbol of global unity and peaceful competition, were jolted by an act of terror that would forever mark the memory of these Games. This is the story of the Atlanta Olympic bombing, a chilling reminder of the vulnerability of even the most celebratory and secure gatherings.
On July 27, the unthinkable happened in the heart of the festivities at Centennial Olympic Park, a bustling hub for visitors and athletes alike. A homemade pipe bomb, filled with nails and screws to maximize harm, exploded, cutting through the joyous atmosphere like a bolt of lightning. The blast claimed two lives – a spectator and a cameraman who suffered a heart attack rushing to cover the chaos – and injured over a hundred others, leaving a trail of devastation and fear.
The perpetrator, Eric Robert Rudolph, harbored extremist ideologies and intended to disrupt the Games to make a statement against the U.S. government. His act was not just an attack on the individuals present but an assault on the spirit of the Olympics itself. It was a stark, brutal reminder that even the most unifying global events are not immune to the scourges of hatred and violence.
In the aftermath, the world saw the resilience of the human spirit and the urgent need for enhanced security measures at major events. The bombing led to immediate changes in security protocols, not just at the Olympics but at large-scale events worldwide. While the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games continued, the bombing left an indelible scar on the Olympic movement, a poignant testament to the fact that the pursuit of peace and unity is an ongoing, often challenged endeavor.
Paris 2024
In case you haven’t noticed, the world has turned into a cistern of violence in the past couple of years. We’re damn near in a world war. Bringing the nations of the world together, while it sounds like a noble idea (and it is, at times), is just asking for trouble right now. It’s like deciding to have a family reunion when you know everyone is pissed off at each other.
How could things go wrong? Glad you asked. Here are but a few factors that could cause things to go sideways:
High Media Coverage: Major sporting events draw extensive media coverage, guaranteeing that any act of terrorism would receive immediate and widespread attention. Terrorist groups often seek such publicity to spread fear, make political statements, or highlight their causes on a global stage. The games present the perfect backdrop for this.
Symbolic Targets: International sports events symbolize unity, peace, and global cooperation. Attacking such symbols can be seen by terrorists as a way to challenge these values or to protest against the hosting country or the international community.
Large Crowds: The concentration of large numbers of people in a single area increases the potential impact of a terrorist attack, both in terms of potential casualties and psychological effects. One ill-place device could affect huge numbers of innocents.
International Presence: The presence of people from many different countries, including high-profile athletes and officials, offers a chance for terrorists to make an international statement and potentially impact multiple nations.
Political Statements: Global sporting events can be used as platforms for groups to express discontent with political or social issues, either within the host country or in relation to international affairs.
Security Challenges: Despite heightened security at major sporting events, the scale and complexity of securing such large and multifaceted gatherings pose significant challenges. Terrorists might attempt to exploit any perceived vulnerabilities.
Technological Advancements: The increasing sophistication of terrorist tactics and use of technology, including cyber-terrorism, adds new layers of risk. Cyber-attacks could target event infrastructure, disrupt communications, or compromise data.
Psychological Impact: Beyond physical harm, terrorists aim to instill fear, disrupt normalcy, and create a sense of insecurity. High-profile events are ideal targets for such psychological impacts. It’s a terrorist’s wet dream.
Copycat and Lone-wolf Attacks: High-profile attacks can inspire individuals or small groups to carry out similar acts, often with less sophisticated means but still with potentially devastating consequences. The second-tier bad guys of the world might see it as an opportunity to get in on the act and get some recognition for their cause.
Geopolitical Context: The geopolitical climate at the time of the event can also influence the risk. Tensions or conflicts involving the host country or participating nations can escalate the threat level. I’m not going to speculate regarding specific nations or groups because I don’t want to be seen as giving any ideas to the evil-doers of the world, but right now, millions upon millions of people are not safe in their home countries. Place them in the terror incubator that is the Olympic Games, and you’re just asking for trouble.
What To Do?
As for me, my family and I will be remaining home watching the games on TV and cheering on our favorite athletes. It’s not cowardice, it prudance. Why undertake unnecessary risks?
Besides, with a 75″ TV, comfy leather couch, and a tub of hot buttered popcorn, I’ll be a lot more comfy at Fort Livingroom anyway.
Be sure to send me a postcard if you decide to go, and be sure to keep your head on a swivel while you are there.
Stay safe, stay strong.
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