Final answer:
The most notable example of using sports for political gains before the collapse of Communist countries was 2) East Germany, due to their state-sponsored sports programs aiming to represent communist superiority.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most striking example of success in international sport and the use of sport for the accomplishment of political goals before the break-up of the Communist countries was 2) East Germany.
Sports competitions served as a form of propaganda during Cold War tensions, particularly at the Olympic Games where each side showcased the supposed superiority of its political system through athletic prowess.
The East German government implemented state-sponsored training programs to ensure their athletes excelled, aiming to demonstrate the strength and success of their communist system internationally.