Seven times when sport became political

The June 1938 boxing match between Joe Louis and Max Schmeling became known as one of the biggest sporting moments of the 20th Century. But as WWII loomed, their fight became much larger than a bout in the ring, taking on massive international, social and cultural significance.

Schmeling had shocked the world two years earlier when he defeated Louis and became the toast of Germany, with Hitler and Goebbels among his fans. A rematch was inevitable. For the first time, most of white America was behind a black fighter and Jews in the US and Europe, all too aware of the Nazi threat, were also cheering Louis.

Here are seven more occasions when sport became political…

Black American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos made history by staging a silent protest on the podium at the Mexico Olympic Games, after winning Gold and Bronze respectively in the 200m. The athletes entered the stadium shoeless, to highlight poverty, and wearing beads, to illustrate lynching in southern USA. They famously raised a black-gloved fist in a “Black Power” salute against ongoing racial inequity in America as The Star-Spangled Banner played. Promptly banned by the United States Olympic Committee, their actions have since become one of the most iconic sporting protests in history.

In a display against police brutality and social injustice facing black Americans, San Francisco 49ers player Colin Kaepernick began kneeling during the national anthem before matches. The protest spread as players from other teams took to their knees. This demonstration prompted President Trump to Tweet: “If NFL fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our flag and country, you will see change take place fast. Fire or suspend!”

Kathrine Switzer broke the rules and became the first known woman to run the Boston Marathon in 1967, after entering the all-male marathon using her initials instead of her full name. The race director Jock Semple tried to physically pull her out of the race, but was stopped by Switzer’s boyfriend who barged him away from her. Following the race she continued to campaign for women to be allowed to enter the marathon. And in 1972 women were officially allowed to compete. Katherine Switzer has now run 42 marathons, including the London Marathon in 2018.

Feminist punk rock group Pussy Riot were beaten with whips by Cossacks as they performed an impromptu protest song in Sochi, during the 2014 Winter Olympics. The band said the Sochi Games were a political event, and were fiercely critical of President Putin who was the main driving force behind them.