The Olympics, despite being primarily a sporting event, has often been intertwined with politics throughout its history. While the Olympic Charter emphasizes the apolitical nature of the Games and prohibits any form of discrimination, the reality is that political issues have influenced the Olympics in various ways.
Boycotts: There have been instances where countries decided to boycott the Olympics as a form of political protest. One of the most well-known examples is the boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics by the United States and several other Western countries in protest of the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan. In retaliation, the Soviet Union and its allies boycotted the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
Protests: Athletes have used the Olympic stage to make political statements. One of the most iconic moments in Olympic history is the raised fist salute by American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos during the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. They were protesting racial discrimination and inequality in the United States.
Host City Selection: The process of selecting host cities for the Olympics can also be influenced by political considerations. Cities and countries often vie for the opportunity to host the Games to enhance their global standing and showcase their political and economic development.
Human Rights Concerns: The Olympics have faced criticism for being held in countries with controversial human rights records. In the lead-up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2014 Sochi Olympics, concerns were raised about issues such as censorship, freedom of expression, and the treatment of certain groups.
Symbolic Diplomacy: The Olympics have been used as a platform for diplomatic efforts between countries. The participation of North and South Korea under a unified flag at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics is an example of sports being used as a means to foster diplomatic relations.
Below is a really interesting article about some of the examples of when Athletes and the games itself has been politicised despite the apolitical nature of the game.