Water Polo at the Olympic Games: Munich 1972

 After two editions held in regions that had never hosted the event before, the Summer Olympic Games returned in Europe. For the fifth time, the Olympics were not staged in a capital city. It was Munich to win the bid over Madrid and Montréal, which would host the event four years later. Indeed, it was the second time the Games were held in Germany, but the first one with the division into Federal Republic on one side and Democratic Republic on the opposite one.

by Simone Pierotti

The 1972 edition was characterised by historical events and records. These were the Games of the seven-time-gold-medallist American Mark Spitz, an extraordinary result which would last until 2008 as his fellow countryman Michael Phelps won one gold medal more. Furthermore, Australian swimmer Shane Gould got five medals, including three golds, at the age of 15. Read more

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