The 1972 Summer Olympics , officially known as the Games of the XX Olympiad , were held in Munich , in what was then West Germany , from 26 August to 11 September 1972 . The 1972 Summer Olympics , officially known as the Games of the XX Olympiad , were an international multi-sport event held in Munich , in what was then West Germany , from August 26 to September 11 , 1972 .