The Olympic Games, a symbol of global unity and athletic excellence, have not been without their share of controversies. Over the years, several incidents have marred the spirit of the Games, involving issues ranging from political disputes to doping scandals. Here are eight of the most famous Olympic controversies that have left a lasting impact on the history of the Games.

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The 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow were heavily impacted by a boycott led by the United States in protest against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. The number of participating nations was drastically reduced when more than 60 countries joined the boycott. This political move showed the world the ongoing effects of the Cold War tensions and the influence of global politics on the Olympic movement.

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Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson’s victory in the 100 meters at the 1988 Seoul Olympics was short-lived. He tested positive for the banned steroid stanozolol, leading to his disqualification and the stripping of his gold medal. This scandal brought the issue of doping in sports to the forefront and led to stricter anti-doping regulations.

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The 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta were marred by a bombing at Centennial Olympic Park. The explosion, caused by a pipe bomb, killed two people and injured over 100 others. The attack was carried out by Eric Robert Rudolph, who was later convicted. This tragic event raised concerns about security at large international events.

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The 2016 Rio Olympics were rocked by revelations of state-sponsored doping in Russia. An investigation by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) uncovered widespread doping practices, leading to the suspension of many Russian athletes. This scandal exposed the extent of cheating and led to significant consequences for those involved.

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During the 2016 Rio Olympics, U.S. swimmer Ryan Lochte and three teammates claimed they were victims of an armed robbery. However, it was later revealed that they had fabricated the story to cover up their vandalism at a gas station. This incident, often referred to as “Lochtegate,” tarnished the reputation of the athletes involved and led to widespread criticism of their actions.

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During the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, which were held in 2021 and not 2020 due to the pandemic, Belarusian sprinter Krystsina Tsimanouskaya was forcibly removed from the Games by her country’s officials after she criticized her coaches. She sought asylum in Poland, highlighting issues of athlete safety and political interference in sports. This incident drew international condemnation and support for Tsimanouskaya

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The 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing were marked by a significant diplomatic boycott led by several countries, including the United States, in response to alleged human rights abuses in China. Despite the absence of official delegations, athletes from these nations still participated in the games. This boycott drew global attention to the ongoing human rights issues and sparked widespread debate about the role of international sporting events in addressing such concerns.

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In the lead-up to the 2024 Paris Olympics, a controversy erupted in women’s boxing when Imane Khelif of Algeria and Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan were disqualified from the 2023 Women’s World Championships due to gender eligibility issues. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) clarified that these athletes were not involved in a transgender case, but the incident sparked widespread debate. Both athletes faced intense racism and misgendering, with many wrongly labeling them as transgender women or biological men. The hate campaigns were notably fueled by public figures such as former U.S. President Donald Trump, author J.K. Rowling, Elon Musk and others leading to a barrage of abuse for both athletes. Khelif faced additional scrutiny from her Italian opponent, Angela Carini, who withdrew from their bout, while Lin Yu-ting competed against Uzbekistan’s Sitora Turdibekova.

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