This weekend’s competitions drew the attention of millions of viewers. But sporting events have long been sites for political speech, protest and activism dating back decades.

On May 5th, 1945, just days after Hitler’s death and the collapse of the Nazi regime, one of the most unusual battles of the Second World War unfolded at Castle Itter in Austria. American troops, ...

The Berlin Wall inspired David Bowie’s song Heroes (1977), with its poignant lyrics about two lovers, divided by the wall, ...