The history of the Olympics is one filled with stories of athletic achievements, technological advancements, and political controversies. It’s important to remember, however, that the games have not always been the symbol of international unity and peace that they are often presented to be. In the early decades of the 20th century, for example, many of the games were dominated by the political tensions of the day, and some of the most popular and successful athletes were actively involved in promoting the political agendas of their respective countries.
Which choice best combines the sentences at the underlined portion to create a grammatically correct and stylistically effective sentence?
A. It’s important to remember, however, that the games have not always been the symbol of international unity and peace that they are often presented to be—in the early decades of the 20th century, for example, many of the games were dominated by the political tensions of the day.
B. It’s important to remember, however, that the games have not always been the symbol of international unity and peace that they are often presented to be, for in the early decades of the 20th century, many of the games were dominated by the political tensions of the day.
C. It’s important to remember, however, that the games have not always been the symbol of international unity and peace that they are often presented to be, and in the early decades of the 20th century, for example, many of the games were dominated by the political tensions of the day.
D. It’s important to remember, however, that the games have not always been the symbol of international unity and peace that they are often presented to be; in the early decades of the 20th century, for example, many of the games were dominated by the political tensions of the day.
The semicolon correctly joins the two independent clauses, creating a more sophisticated and complex sentence structure than the comma or the coordinating conjunction "and." This semicolon also creates a slight pause, emphasizing the contrast between the idea that the Olympics are often presented as symbols of peace and the reality that the games have not always been so.