How did the US team complement itself in the Summer Olympics and how did Hitler respond?

Answer 1

During the 1936 Summer Olympics held in Berlin, the US team showcased exceptional performances across various events, garnering praise and demonstrating their strength and diversity. The American athletes won a total of 39 gold medals, dominating in sports such as athletics, swimming, and basketball.

One notable example was the African American track and field athlete Jesse Owens. He won four gold medals in the 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump, and 4x100 meters relay. Owens' success defied the Nazi ideology of Aryan racial superiority, as an African American athlete excelling in Olympic events directly contradicted Hitler's belief in the racial inferiority of non-white individuals.

The US team, composed of athletes from diverse backgrounds, showcased the inclusiveness and meritocracy of their country. This was a significant contrast to Hitler's vision of an exclusively Aryan-dominated Olympics, meant to demonstrate German superiority.

In response, Hitler was visibly displeased with the success of the US team and the triumph of Owens in particular. Although he had initially planned to use the Olympics as a propaganda tool to showcase Aryan supremacy, Owens' victories and the overall success of non-Aryan athletes contradicted this narrative. While Hitler did shake hands with some successful German athletes, he chose to leave the Olympic Stadium without congratulating any non-German winners, including Jesse Owens.

Overall, the US team complemented itself by showcasing athletic excellence and the diversity of its athletes. This contradicted Hitler's vision and emphasized the fallacy of Aryan superiority.