Memories of the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich

The approach of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France, gives me occasion to reflect upon my experience working as an interpreter for ABC Sports during the 1972 Olympics in Munich, West Germany.

While the 1972 games were a venue for many outstanding athletic achievements (i.e. Mark Spitz' seven gold medals), it was the Israeli massacre that most people remember. Almost 52 years ago, eleven members of Israel's Olympic team were killed during a 23-hour drama that began in the Olympic Village. This tragic event served to change the Olympic games forever. Prior to the massacre, the 1972 Ol...