Since the start of the modern Olympic Games in 1896, the competition has brought the world’s best athletes together to showcase cooperation, respect, and excellence. However, scandals have not been absent from the Olympics over the years. From doping controversies to high-profile feuds, the Olympics have seen it all.
One such scandal involved track and field star Sha’Carri Richardson, who tested positive for marijuana before the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Another scandal included swimmer Ryan Lochte, who fabricated a robbery story during the 2016 Rio Olympics, leading to an international incident. Figure skaters Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan were involved in a scandal when Kerrigan was attacked before the 1994 Winter Olympics, leading to Harding’s conviction for hindering the investigation.
Soccer player Hope Solo made controversial comments during the 2016 Olympics, leading to her termination from the U.S. Soccer team. Dong Fangxiao’s falsified age led to China losing their bronze medal in 2000, while Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson was stripped of his gold medal in 1988 after testing positive for steroids.
One of the biggest scandals involved Russia’s doping scandal, which resulted in the Russian Olympic Committee being barred from the PyeongChang Games in 2018. In addition, the Atlanta Olympics in 1996 were marred by a bombing at Centennial Olympic Park, which claimed two lives and injured over 100 people.
While the Olympics are meant to celebrate sportsmanship and unity, these scandals serve as a reminder that even the world’s greatest athletes are not immune to controversy and wrongdoing.
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