The 1972 Munich Olympic games were memorable due to a tragedy involving the murder of eleven Israeli olympians by eight Palestinian terrorists. The event was highly political in nature, because the terrorists wanted the 234 Palestinians held in Israel to be released, which was their motivation for the attack. While five of the terrorists were killed, the damage had already been done, and left a significant impact. However, the IOC made the controversial decision to let the games go on, and only postponed the Olympics for one day. There was a memorial service and the Olympic flags were lowered to half mast in recognition of the terrible event, but the impact of the tragedy was difficult to overcome as the games progressed.
Regarding the reading, I think that this event is most applicable to the use of the Olympics as a site for political demonstrations and violence by political dissidents in the host country. The Palestinian terrorists chose to commit their act in the location of the Olympics, so that they could make a powerful statement to other nations about their capabilities. Since the Olympics is a worldwide event, every nation became aware of the nature behind the attack, and could frame it in a political manner.
While I would prefer that sport be free of political interference, I don't believe that this is the case. The military flyovers and honoring of veterans, as well as the performing of the national anthem are all clear political connections that occur at almost every sporting event. I think it is clear that patriotism is directly correlated with sports, and that sports and politics will always be intertwined for as long as these displays occur.
References:
Rosenberg, Jennifer. http://history1900s.about.com/od/fadsfashion/a/olympics1972.htm
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