Since the world’s nations started to come together in 1896 to compete, politics have rarely stayed out of the Olympic arena
A Long History of Olympic Politics
Since the world's nations started to come together in 1896 to compete, politics have rarely stayed out of the Olympic arena
COURTESY "THE KING OF SPRING: PETER O'CONNOR" BY LIFFEY PRESS
A short-lived attempt to hold the Olympics every two years brings athletes back to Greece. The Games take a political turn when triple jumper Peter O'Connor, pictured in competition, clambers up a flagpole and waves the Irish flag to protest having to compete on behalf of Great Britain.