1936 Summer Olympics

The Games of the XI Olympiad were held in 1936 in Berlin, Germany. Berlin's bid was preferred over Barcelona. Although awarded before the Nazi Party came to power in Germany, the government saw the Olympics as a golden opportunity to promote their Nazi ideology. Film-maker Leni Riefenstahl, a favorite of Hitler, was commissioned to film the Games. The film, titled Olympia, was arguably a piece of propaganda, but originated many of the techniques now commonplace to the filming of sports. She was also the first to introduce the Olympic torch to the ceremonies. To ensure victories, the German government provided anabolic steroids and testosterone supplements to its atheletes. While Germany dominated the games, the many triumphs by citizens of other nations was seen as a rebuke to racist Nazi philosophies. In particular, the black sprinter and long jumper Jesse Owens won 4 gold medals. The tale of Hitler snubbing Owens at the ensuing medal ceremony is, however, untrue. Hitler had personally congratulated a few German and Finnish athletes at other times, but didn't specifically snub any athlete.

Related Topics:
1936 - Berlin - Germany - Barcelona - Nazi Party - Nazi - Leni Riefenstahl - Olympia - Propaganda - Anabolic steroids - Testosterone - Jesse Owens - Finnish

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Anti-fascists planned to host a "People's Olympiad" in Barcelona as an alternative games to protest the Berlin Olympics but this was cancelled due to the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War.

Related Topics:
Anti-fascist - People's Olympiad - Barcelona - Spanish Civil War

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Games of the XI Olympiad

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Nations participating50

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Athletes participating4,066 (3,738 men, 328 women)

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Events129 in 19 sports

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Opening ceremoniesAugust 1, 1936

Related Topics:
August 1 - 1936

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Closing ceremoniesAugust 16, 1936

Related Topics:
August 16 - 1936

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Officially opened byAdolf Hitler

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Athlete's OathRudolph Ismayr

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Judge's Oath:not applicable

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Olympic TorchFritz Schilgen

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StadiumOlympiastadion

Related Topics:
Stadium - Olympiastadion

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