HAVE THE OLYMPIC GAMES EVER BEEN CANCELED?
The relationship between the Olympic Games and Hitler was complex and remains that way even now. There were some iconic moments that would take place in Berlin 1936; however, these moments are also amplified by the struggle of the rise of Nazis that was emerging at the time. Through boycotts, adversity, and a lot of discrimination, the games went on. However, the almost canceled Olympic Games in 1936 remain some of the oddest ever held.
What Was Hitler’s Goal in Hosting the 1936 Olympic Games?
The Olympic Games to Hitler was a way to show the world that Germany was a great place while promoting the idea of the Aryan race being superior.It was a complicated mix of having the world stage to show Jews as inferior, yet working to keep a clean appearance to the rest of the world.Neither goal fully came to be; however, countries did end up participating and this did help legitimize the Nazi regime.
It Took Convincing for Hitler to Host the 1936 Olympics
It’s easy to forget that like many of us, the man who would become a monster in our eyes also had dreams, interests, and passions.Famously, Hitler’s failed art stint is known, but he also loved opera and architecture, among other things.However, sports being an interest? That wasn’t the case.The fact is Hitler and the 1936 Olympic Games could have never been as connected because he had no interest in bringing the event to Berlin.This would change. Germany’s Minister for Public Enlightenment and Propaganda Joseph Goebbels saw an opportunity and was able to convince his leader to change his mind.Goebbels, a horrible man in his own right, is the one who originally wanted to make the 1936 Berlin Olympics a reality to promote the Nazi Party.Part of these efforts is how films documenting the experience came to be, specifically Olympia (1938), which didn’t lean into propaganda as hard as others but still had an agenda.
The Call to Boycott Berlin 1936
Because of the backlash Nazi Germany was facing, organizing the event became more and more difficult.For starters, the modern history of the Olympics has had a few boycotts. This is because of human rights, but Berlin 1936 was the first.The negative press would slightly alter Hitler’s Olympic Games approach into a softer one. However, the obvious trend was still discrimination and propaganda.It was close but the world came around and the 1936 Berlin Olympics boycott failed with 49 nations joining Germany to compete. Thus, the canceled Olympic Games in 1936 didn't become reality.
Notable Moments Involving Hitler and the 1936 Olympics
The backdrop of the Olympic Games and Hitler hosting was far from ideal. However, the event provided plenty of good, bad, and interesting moments.These moments didn’t just change sports but also stood up in defiance against the Nazi regime.Arguably the most iconic moment of the 1936 Olympics was the dominance of American Jesse Owens. He went on to win four gold medals in sprint and long jump events.The entire goal of showing the Aryan race as superior was destroyed by a Black man who became the most decorated Olympian of the games.Germany did win the most medals at 101 with 38 golds. The United States came in second with 57 medals. However, it’s undeniable what Owens was able to accomplish against tremendous adversity.Another notable accomplishment was the nine rowers from the University of Washington. They ended up winning gold in Berlin during the men’s eight-crew race.Hitler was in attendance with a predominately pro-Nazi crowd. Not only were the Americans far from the favorites, but it was a testament just to make the Olympics as they beat out Ivy League competition back home beforehand.The rowing team won by a margin of .4 seconds in the Husky Clipper and under the guidance of coach Al Ulbrickson.This would inspire the 2023 film, The Boys in the Boat, although the sports drama does take a bit of liberty in its storytelling.Canoeing was a new sport for the 1936 Games as was basketball, which the United States took home gold.
The Creation of the Olympiastadion & Evolution of the Olympics
From an organizational standpoint, Hitler wanted to go bigger than the United States which hosted the 1932 Olympic Games. The US built multiple gyms and mall arenas to facilitate the event.However, the crown jewel remains one of the most iconic stadiums in the world. The 100,000-seat stadium with a track and field is the Olympiastadion.Today, it’s still in use for major international soccer matches for Germany’s national football team. It is the home venue for Hertha Berlin.On the darker side of things, Hitler worked hard to convince the IOC that anti-Semitic policies weren’t going to be a part of the event and that Jewish athletes could enter.However, there were various measures to prevent their entry with some countries simply leaving Jewish representatives home to avoid conflict.Furthermore, Lithuania was sent home because they were seen as anti-Nazi, a great title if there ever was one.In the end, the almost canceled Olympic Games and Hitler are connected, but not always for the right reasons. Still, humans came together to show that through our differences, we can do anything and no one race is superior to another.Suggested reads:
