1956day.year
A violent water polo match between Hungary and the USSR takes place during the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, against the backdrop of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956.
On December 6, 1956, Hungary and the USSR faced off in a notorious water polo match at the Melbourne Olympics, reflecting tensions from the Hungarian Revolution.
Known as the 'Blood in the Water' match, this Olympic game was charged with political animosity.
Just weeks earlier, Soviet forces had crushed the Hungarian Revolution of 1956.
During the match, aggressive plays and a melee in the pool underscored national resentments.
A Hungarian player’s blood in the water turned the contest into a symbol of resistance.
Despite the violence, Hungary triumphed 4–0 over the Soviet team, delighting the international audience.
The match remains one of the most dramatic intersections of sport and politics in Olympic history.
1956
water polo match
1956 Summer Olympics
Melbourne
Hungarian Revolution of 1956