The Olympic Atmosphere

Munich Olympic Stadium

Israeli athlete memorial

When I was first accepted into the SEA program I was excited to not only see and live in London, but for the opportunity to travel to other countries as well. One of the places that I most wanted to try and get to was Munich, Germany in order to see their Olympic Park. Since the London Olympic park closed at the conclusion of the Paralympic games, I was unable to get a chance to explore that stadium but visiting Munich’s stadium while in Munich was entirely feasible. Last week during fall break I was able to do this along with my friend and fellow sport management major, Colby Kenny.

Being there in the Olympic stadium I was able to fully understand the impact that the Olympics have on a culture and how the 1972 Munich Massacre affected the world. During the Olympics, people come together in order to cheer on their nation as it competes for dominance within a specific event. This could be seen even after the Olympics here in London as all around the city still are displays of nationalism praising the efforts of English efforts. During the 1972 Summer Games however, the world came together to mourn the 11 Israeli athletes and German police officer that died in a standoff between Palestine terrorist group members.

The Olympic Games are a staple within worldwide society as it brings together people from over a hundred nations to compete against one another, not only for themselves but for their country. After seeing Munich’s stadium and the memorial for the killed athletes, however, I realized that these games are for more than one athlete or one country but society as a whole. People are showing the strength and abilities of mankind and how, as humans, we are able to triumph through tragedy.

Studying abroad has expressed this same atmosphere seen both throughout London and Munich’s stadium. All of us SEA participants have been able to come together as one and support each other the way fellow countries did for Israel’s athletes, and that is the best experience so far.