What is the myth at the 1936 Olympic games?

As the myth goes, in the 1936, the Olympics games were held in Berlin, Germany, and it was called “Hitler’s Games". On the first day of the Olympic Games, Hitler, “Führer”, allowed the victors of the events to come to his box. When Jesse Owens, an African American athlete, won the 100m dash, many Germans were very impressed with his talents. However Adolf Hitler departed after he saw the results, and refused to shake hands with Jesse Owens due to his colour.

 The legend above is wrong, and over the years the story of this event has changed a lot. The reality is during the first day it was late, and Adolf Hitler left after the German athletes lost in their events. Jesse Owens was not in this event. The Olympic official said to Hitler to congratulate all of the athletes or none of them. He decided to stop congratulating the athletes. After the games were done, the Führer decided to invite all the winning athletes to the “Reich Chancellery”, so he could personally congratulate, and shake their hands, including Jesse Owens. Additionally the Germans respected Jesse Owens a lot, and they called him “The Fastest Man”. They also named a street after him. This African American athlete said that he was treated well during his stay. The myth in the 1936 Berlin games was a lie, and the reality of Hitler shaking Owens’ hand was true.

Interesting Facts
Jesse Owens explained “... the warmth of his reception in Germany and his happiness during those days in Berlin...”
In the article, it contained a letter to the Director of ZDF. It stated “... Adolf Hitler received and congratulated the German Olympic winners of the 1936 Games in the place of honour at the Olympic stadium...”
Relevant Quotes
“Even the most racist Germans were amazed with the efforts of Owens...” ( Zusak, 56)
“Owens is looking good,” he began to commentate. “This could be his greatest victory ever….” ( Zusak, 57)
“You know Papa, the Black Magic one.” “I’ll give you black magic.” ( Zusak, 59)
“Because you shouldn’t want to be like black people or Jewish people or anyone who is…not us.” ( Zusak, 60)
“It’s like you’re German or Catholic.” (Zusak, 60)
“Oh. Is Jesse Owens Catholic?” ( Zusak, 60)

Click on this LINK to read more.

This is Jesse Owens racing

                                     

This is an interview with Jesse Owens