The Olympic Games is a major international multi-sport event. During its history, both the Summer and Winter Games were a subject of many scandals and controversies.
Some states have boycotted the Games on various occasions, often as a sign of protest against the International Olympic Committee or contemporary politics of other participants. After both World Wars, the losing countries were not invited. Other controversies include decisions by referees and even gestures made by athletes.
Famous quotes containing the words olympic, games and/or scandals:
“Like Olympic medals and tennis trophies, all they signified was that the owner had done something of no benefit to anyone more capably than everyone else.”
—Joseph Heller (b. 1923)
“In 1600 the specialization of games and pastimes did not extend beyond infancy; after the age of three or four it decreased and disappeared. From then on the child played the same games as the adult, either with other children or with adults. . . . Conversely, adults used to play games which today only children play.”
—Philippe Ariés (20th century)
“People who don’t like scandals shouldn’t be in finance.”
—Christina Stead (1902–1983)