It happened at 4:30 am on September 5. Eight members of Black September sneaked into the Olympic Village compound with the help of unsuspecting American athletes who were also getting back late. Dressed in tracksuits, the terrorists climbed a 2 metre fence, carrying duffel bags with guns and grenades. Then, using stolen keys, they entered the two apartments occupied by the Israeli team.
The wrestling referee heard a scratching noise and raised the alarm while trying to stop the Palestinians from entering. Two athletes managed to escape and five managed to hide. The wrestling coach was shot dead when he tried attacking one of the kidnappers, and a weightlifter managed to wound one of the attackers before dying in the ensuing gunfire.
There were nine living hostages left.
In the picture: One of the terrorists at the Munich Olympic Village September 5, 1972.