Ten Sports Events Shattered By Terror Attacks: Uncovering Global Tragedies In Photos

September 5, 1972 – Munich Olympics Massacre
Palestinian militants stormed the Olympic Village in Munich, killing two Israeli athletes and taking nine hostage. A failed rescue attempt ended with all nine hostages dead, along with five attackers and a German policeman. (AP Photo)

July 27, 1996 – Atlanta Olympics Bombing
A bomb exploded at Centennial Olympic Park during the Atlanta Games, killing two and injuring over 100. Eric Rudolph was later convicted and is serving multiple life sentences. (AFP Photo)

May 1, 2002 – Real Madrid vs Barcelona (Champions League)
Hours before the semifinal at the Bernabéu, a car bomb exploded nearby. Eleven suspects linked to Basque separatists were arrested. The match went ahead after security sweeps, but the incident cast a heavy shadow over European football. (AFP Photo)

May 8, 2002 – Karachi Bombing (NZ Cricket Tour)
A suicide blast outside the New Zealand team hotel in Karachi killed 14 people. The tour was abandoned immediately. International cricket in Pakistan entered a long period of isolation and uncertainty. (AFP Photo)

July 15, 2006 – Iraq Olympic Kidnappings
Gunmen abducted Iraq’s Olympic committee chief and dozens of athletes in Baghdad. Months earlier, the taekwondo team vanished en route to Jordan, and tennis players were killed. Iraqi sport was left shattered by violence. (AFP Photo)

January 4, 2008 – Dakar Rally Cancelled
For the first time in its 30-year history, the Dakar Rally was scrapped due to credible Al Qaeda threats. No attack occurred, but the fear itself was enough to halt one of motorsport’s toughest events. (AFP Photo)

April 6, 2008 – Sri Lanka Marathon Bombing
A suicide bomber struck a New Year marathon, killing 15 athletes and injuring around 90. The attack, blamed on the Tamil Tigers, turned a festive sporting celebration into national mourning. (AFP Photo)

March 3, 2009 – Sri Lanka Team Attack, Lahore
Gunmen ambushed the Sri Lankan cricket team bus in Lahore, killing six policemen and two civilians. Several players were injured. International cricket in Pakistan was suspended for years. (AFP Photo)

April 15, 2013 – Boston Marathon Bombing
Two bombs exploded near the finish line, killing three and injuring over 260. The attack stunned the world. One perpetrator was later sentenced to death, though appeals continue. (AFP Photo)

February 16, 2026 – Rhode Island Hockey Shooting
Gunfire during a high school hockey game in Pawtucket left two dead and three injured. Authorities described it as targeted, linked to a family dispute. Even local community sport proved heartbreakingly vulnerable. (APF Photo)