The rise of National Socialism in Germany and Hitler’s anti-semitic policies and advocation of the superiority of the Aryan race resulted in several calls for a boycott of the games. Against this political backdrop, Jesse Owens’ haul of four gold medals is all the more significant. For a black athlete to demonstrate clearly his superior athleticism and so convincingly outperform his white counterparts was a massive slap in the face for Hitler and made a mockery of his racist theories during his Nazi showpiece games. Standing in the box at the Olympiastadion where Hitler sat to watch the games, Jesse Owens tells with pride that the flag of the US team was the only one not to be dipped as the athletes passed the Führer. (andberlin.com)
Recommendations
view all
Facing Ali

Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple

4 Little Girls

Marvel Studios: Assembling a Universe

The International

God Is a Bullet

Gilbert

The 355

The Class of ‘92

Rampage: Capital Punishment

The Commuter

Night Will Fall

The Green Book: Guide to Freedom

What We Left Behind: Looking Back at Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Making The Witcher

Sniper: The Last Stand

The Independent

And the Oscar Goes To...

Foreign Correspondent

In Search of the Last Action Heroes

