Olympic Games controversies: drugs cheats, match-fixing, and questionable gymnasts
- A look back at five of the most controversial moments that have defined, and at times, defied the Olympic spirit
While the Olympics are celebrated for their spirit of camaraderie and fair competition, they have also played host to some of the most contentious and dramatic incidents in sports history.
From doping scandals to controversial rulings, these moments have left indelible marks on the legacy of the Olympics, revealing the complex web of human drama beneath the glittering facade of gold medals.
As Paris gears up for the next thrilling chapter of this global spectacle, let’s revisit five of the most controversial moments that have defined – and at times, defied – the Olympic spirit.
Ben Johnson – 1988 Seoul
At the 1988 Seoul Olympics, Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson captivated the world by winning the gold medal in the 100-metre final, setting a new world record of 9.79 seconds.
But just three days after this victory, Johnson tested positive for the anabolic steroid stanozolol, immediately disqualifying him and stripping him of the medal.
His fallout exposed the pervasive issue of doping in athletics, and the 100m final in Seoul was also dubbed the “dirtiest race in history”.
Shockingly, six of the eight finalists, including Carl Lewis and Linford Christie, eventually failed drug tests or were implicated in doping during their careers.
