British foreign policy toward the Rhodesian Olympic team, 1968-1972

What is it about?

After Rhodesia seceded from the British Empire, it faced exclusion in many international sports, even in the Olympics. This article highlights the differences between Wilson's Labour government and Heath's Conservative government toward Rhodesian participation in the Olympics.

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Why is it important?

The expulsion of Rhodesia from the Olympics followed closely South Africa's expulsion. The exclusion of white minority regimes in international sport was a formative moment for the protection of human rights and non-discrimination as elements of fair play, as included in the newly-updated Olympic Charter in 1981.