During the second half of the Week Five session, we decided to explore a completely different topic: the role of sports in international relations. To best facilitate this discussion, students each explored a well-known case study. Some were examples of sports acting as a bridge between cultures and peoples, others highlighted sports ability to amplify violence or alternative political agendas. Below are the cases we studied:

Blood in the Water Match: In 1956, the  Hungarian Men’s Water Polo team faced the Soviet Union at the Melbourne Summer Olympic games merely weeks after the Soviets quelled a peaceful demonstration rejecting Soviet influence in Budapest. Many of the Hungarians felt that this match was there only chance to show their defiance towards oppressive Soviet influence.  Click here to learn more about this match or here to watch the trailer for “Freedom’s Fury”, a Quentin Tarantino documentary about the match.

Ping Pong Diplomacy: When a member of the American ping pong team accidentally stumbled onto the Chinese bus, he unknowingly helped open up relations between the two countries. Click here to watch a short clip about ping pong diplomacy.

Munich Massacre: The 1972 Olympic games were supposed to be the “carefree” games; however, the taking, and eventually killing, of members of the Israeli team forever changed security measures at the games. Additionally, it also brought the world’s attention to the plight of the Palestinian people. To learn more about the Munich Massacre click here. To watch the trailer for the documentary “One Day in September,” click here.

Miracle on Ice: The shocking fall of the Soviet ice hockey team to an extremely young and inexperienced US team served to inspire the country during the height of the Cold War. Click here to learn more and here to watch the gripping final seconds of the game.

The 16th Man: Emerging from decades of Apartheid, Nelson Mandela and Springbok Rugby team worked together to heal ages of rift and distrust by hosting and winning the 1995 World Cup. Click here to learn more and here to watch the trailer for “Invictus,” starring Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman.

By looking at these diverse case studies, we recognized the power sport can play in the international arena. In some instances it can be a strong form of public diplomacy, but in others, it can be violent and mimic warfare.

A special thank you to Dr. Tim Sisk, Professor at the University of Denver, for inspiring this lesson!