Sport, Politics and the Olympics

The 1936 Summer Olympics were held in Berlin, Germany. The location was decided two years before Hitler and the Nazis came to power. Many German leaders believed that this was an ideal way to prove German supremacy and reinforce the Nazi beliefs.  Surprisingly, the town that was once littered with “Jews Not Welcome” signs became cleaned up with little Nazi propaganda. The Germans won four times as many medals than any other country that year. Hitler made sure this knowledge was publicized by having the most broadcasting known to date. This applies to Sage and Eitzen’s belief of sports as propaganda. Hitler was ecstatic to have his “supreme” people prove themselves dominant.

My research and prior knowledge has led me to the conclusion that sports themselves are pure, but there are political implications that accompany them. Politics cannot interfere the actual 400m race in the Olympics, but they can affect the athletes that are selected to participate in such events. The fact that the women’s 400m event was canceled for 30 years exemplifies this. In addition, Hitler discouraged many Jewish athletes to participate in the 1936 Olympics. He didn’t change the rules in the Olympics, but he did have an effect on those who were able to take part.