121 NOCs (Nations)
7,134 athletes (1,059 women, 6,075 men)
195 events

26 August 1972, Opening Ceremony. Athlet Günter Zahn lights the Olympic Flame.

Official opening of the Games by: President Gustave Heinemann

Lighting the Olympic Flame by: Günter Zahn (athletics, junior 1 500m champion)

Olympic Oath by: Heidi Schüller (athletics)

Official Oath by: Heinz Pollay (equestrian sports)

Shane Gould (AUS-swimming) won the 200m, 400m freestyle and the 200m individual medley, each in a new world record time. In addition to her three gold medals, she took the silver in the 800m and the bronze in the 100m freestyle. [Full story]

There were some marvellous athletic performances at the 1972 Olympics, notably Mark Spitz winning seven gold medals and setting seven world records. The first eleven days of 1972 were perhaps the finest Olympic celebrations ever seen. [Full story]

The comeback of archery: Archery was reintroduced into the programme after an absence of 52 years. [Full story]