The Olympic Games is such an event that captivates audiences from all over the world. The recent and abrupt disqualification of Indian wrestler, Vinesh Phogat from the Olympic Games 2024 has been a truly heartbreaking incident. The Olympics Games not only form a forum where athletes can showcase their talents and compete against each other, but it also forms an important space for various countries to represent themselves and form alliances. Although the Olympic Games claim that they do not follow any political agenda, there have often been certain circumstances, where underlying machinations seem to indicate significant Olympic controversies. The athletes participating are often a hostage to their circumstances, and are required to follow limitations. With regards to the Vinesh Phogat news, and her being disqualified in Olympics this year, here’s a list of athletes who have been disqualified in Olympics and certain prominent Olympic scandals you should be aware of.
Here are some of the major controversies that have taken place at the Olympics for you to know about
Madeleine De Jesus’s switch with her sister
One of the most unique Olympic controversies that took place in the Olympic Games held in Los Angeles in 1984, Puerto Rican track and field athlete, Madeleine was severely injured after her long jump. Her ability to be able to compete in the relay was soon a matter of concern. Madeleine’s twin sister, Margaret is also known to be a track and field athlete. Margaret was seen to enter the relay in the guise of a cheerleader, and covered the distance in place of Madeleine, making the Puerto Rican team win. After getting insights upon the incident, the head coach of the Puerto Rican team was outraged enough to suspend the track and field athletes from the competition and also publicly reported the incident, marking a disqualified Olympics.
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Scandal surrounding track and field athlete Marion Jones
Another Olympic scandal that took place in the Sydney Olympics in 2007, American track and field athlete Marion Jones has won 2 bronze and 3 gold medals in the long jump category. In this Olympics controversy, she was not only stripped off all her medals, but was also sentenced to 6 months in prison for perjury. This Olympics controversy surrounds the suspicion as to how a human body is incapable of such an extraordinary performance, and soon there were talks of Marion indulging in possible doping. Although Marion denied the allegations, and the necessary tests also showed negative results, later she openly admitted to using banned substances. This incident at the Olympics was an extremely high profile case, and led to significant consequences surrounding anti-doping controls.
Controversy surrounding swimmer Cameron Van Der Burgh
South African swimmer, Cameron Van Der Burgh had captivated audiences at the 2012 London Olympics with his athletic skills as he set a world record in the 100 metre breaststroke in a time span of only 58.46 seconds. This outstanding achievement had earned him the gold medal. However, soon he was suspected of making use of banned techniques. Cameron was considered guilty of performing three butterfly strokes while underwater during the competition. As per the regulations of the game, only one emergency stroke is allowed in the breaststroke competition. Cameron had later himself admitted of the same, however, whether he was motivated by guilt or a lack of intent could not be judged. The matter was thereafter resolved by the committee quite positively, with South Africa retaining the medal.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication only.