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A Jewish athlete practices throwing a javelin. Germany, 1933-1938. [LCID: 55539]
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athletes and sports

The 1936 Olympic Games took place in Berlin, Germany, three years after the Nazi rise to power. The Olympics brought athletes and sports fans from around the world to Germany. As a result, Nazi leaders tried to hide its racist and antisemitic policies. Many athletes who were otherwise marginalized in Nazi policy and ideology, such as Jews and Black people, participated in the games. Explore more content surrounding the experience of athletes during the Holocaust, particularly the 1936 Olympics. 

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All Content Tagged 'athletes and sports'

John Woodruff describes personal experiences of racial discrimination during and after the Olympic Games
Oral History
Olympic athlete John Woodruff describes his experiences of discrimination
John Woodruff describes the tactics he used to win the 800-meter event in the 1936 Berlin Olympics
Oral History
Olympic athlete John Woodruff describes his tactics for winning the 800-meter race
On August 1, 1936, Hitler opened the 11th Summer Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany. [LCID: 21675]
Photo
Opening of the 11th Summer Olympic Games
A large panoramic view of an arena full of people coming together to spell out a German phrase with signs in a contrasting color to the crowd. In the center of the arena are three airplanes and several hundred people in military-like formations.
Photo
Pro-Hitler slogan displayed at the 1936 Olympic Games
On August 1, 1936, Hitler opened the 11th Summer Olympic Games. [LCID: 21678]
Photo
Scene during the opening of the 11th Summer Olympic Games
Members of a soccer team in Bitola pose in the goal of a sports field. [LCID: 97811]
Photo
Soccer team in Bitola
On August 1, 1936, Hitler opened the 11th Summer Olympic Games. [LCID: 21678]
Timeline Event
Olympic Games Open in Berlin
Runners in the 1936 Olympics 800-meter race; barely visible on the outside is American John Woodruff who came from behind to win the gold medal
Photo
The 800-meter race at the 1936 Olympic Games
American Runner Archie Williams
Article
The Movement to Boycott the Berlin Olympics of 1936
American Olympic runner Jesse Owens and other Olympic athletes compete in the twelfth heat of the first trial of the 100m dash. [LCID: 14523a]
Article
The Nazi Olympics Berlin 1936
Athletes Jesse Owens of the United States (right) and Lutz Long of Germany at the Olympic stadium. [LCID: 43338]
Article
The Nazi Olympics Berlin 1936: African American Voices and "Jim Crow" America
On August 1, 1936, Hitler opened the 11th Summer Olympic Games. [LCID: 21678]
Article
The Nazi Olympics Berlin 1936: Inauguration of the Olympic Torch Relay
US runner Jesse Owens begins the 200-meter race in which he established a new Olympic record of 20.7 seconds. [LCID: 73517a]
Photo
US runner Jesse Owens racing the 200 meters

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