Photo Gallery: Moments in Olympics History

The Olympic flag hangs at half-mast at a memorial ceremony during the 1972 games in Munich, Germany. The service was for members of the Israeli team killed a day earlier when Palestinian terrorists, seeking the release of prisoners in Israel, attacked and held the team hostage. Two Israelis were killed in the initial assault, and nine others, plus five captors and a West German policeman, died in a botched rescue attempt. Athletic events were suspended for more than a day, but they resumed, despite much criticism, following the memorial service.

Beyond the hostage tragedy, the 1972 games were notable as the first to have a named mascot (Waldi the dachshund), and as the Olympics where U.S. swimmer Mark Spitz won a record seven gold medals. It was also the debut of beloved Soviet gymnast Olga Korbut.