Sport, Politics and the Olympics

In 1936 the Summer Olympics were held in Berlin, Germany. A critical time that was marked with angst and uncertainty for minority groups.  Leading up to the Games Hitler and the Nazi party made persistent efforts to exclude Jews and Blacks from participating in an attempt to promote “white supremacy”. Hitler’s actions highlight how sport can be used as a vehicle for propaganda.  With worldwide attention Hitler made efforts to promote anti-Semitic beliefs and underline the white race as the dominant race through sport.

However even with such efforts of exclusion, Hitler was forced to allow full participation due to boycotts from other nations. Even so, many athletes refused to take part as a form of protest specifically the Jewish community. However, equal participation did not extend on the German front.  Helene Mayer was the only female athlete of jewish descent that was aloud to participate and represent Germany, other than that the German team strictly represented Aryan supremacy.

If we look at the Olympic games in general, they have always evoked a sense of nationalism and pride for one’s own country, however, with the current tension and clear split between ideologies, the 1936 Berlin Games inflated such associations.  While Germans were trying to make overall racial generalizations, many American athletes pushed for participation even during such hostile times, in an effort to undercut the views and beliefs of the Nazi party and promote a sense of equality.  Jesse Owens an African American track star won four gold medals; he won the 100-meter, 200-meter, long jump, and the 4x10 meter relay. His performance along with other minority athletes proved that regardless of class, race, or creed that an athlete could succeed on the world stage. 

This is one example that proves that the statement: “sport is pure and devoid of political interference” is not only false but it is irrational. Especially in the case of the Olympics, sport and politics go hand in hand. The athletes from around the world represent the values and beliefs of their respected countries. Even, if it is not the specific intention of the given athletes their involvement marks a sense of support for their respected nations. In the case of the “Nazi” Games, for the most part with one exception German athletes symbolized the ideas and views of popular German thought at the time. It can be argued that German athletes essentially served as the support for Hitler’s assertions given their exclusive make-up. 

Therefore it is clear, that sport and politics inevitably bleed into one another. Even, today as we get ready for the Sochi Winter Olympics, we see athletes advocating for the popular moral and political beliefs that are in contention. With Russia’s stance on sexual liberties and the increased support it has received in other parts of the world, many athletes and politicians have refused and/or have protested participation as a result.  These actions have motivated others to contribute and support such progression of civil liberties. Such efforts prove that sport can promote change in society, question normative ways, and encourage others to follow suit. The results may not be immediate, however, they make such actions relevant and meaningful.  As we look forward this will continue to be case, athletes will continuously find them selves in the cross hairs of politics, given that citizens will continue to look toward popular figures for representation and support as various issues arise.