September 1972

Friday 01:

In Reykjavík, Iceland, American Bobby Fischer beats Russian Boris Spassky and becomes the world chess champion.

Monday 04:

Mark Spitz wins his seventh swimming gold medal at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany, becoming the first Olympian to win seven gold medals.

Tuesday 05:

Munich Massacre: A Palestinian terrorist group called "Black September" attack Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympic Games.

Sunday 10:

The United States loses its first international basketball game in a disputed match versus the Soviet Union at Munich, Germany.

Monday 11:

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) in America begins regular service.

Friday 15:

A magnitude 4.5 earthquake shakes Northern Illinois.

Tuesday 19:

A parcel bomb sent to Israeli Embassy in London kills one diplomat.

Thursday 21:

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos issues Proclamation No. 1081 placing the entire country under martial law.

Monday 25:

In the Norwegian EC referendum, 1972, the people of Norway reject membership

Thursday 28:

Paul Henderson scores The Goal to win the Canada/USSR (ice hockey) "Summit Series".

Friday 29:

Sino-Japanese relations: Japan establishes diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China after breaking official ties with the Republic of China.