Sapporo 1972 Winter Olympics

Sapporo, Japan. First Winter Games in Asia, 32 years after losing 1940

Overview

Japan hosted its first Winter Games, three decades after war cost it the 1940 edition. Dutchman Ard Schenk matched three speed skating golds, while Austrian star Karl Schranz was sent home on the eve for breaching amateurism rules over endorsements. Japan swept the 70 meter ski jumping podium for its first winter golds, igniting a national ski jumping boom.