Behind the Bastards Part Two: How Avery Brundage Gave Hitler an Olympics
Jun 27, 2024
The podcast delves into the controversial actions of Avery Brundage and the Olympic Committee, highlighting the challenges faced by Jewish athletes during the Nazi era. It explores the resistance to boycotting the Nazi Olympics, Brundage's trip to Germany, and his questionable defense of Hitler. The narrative also touches on Jesse Owens' boycott dilemma and the manipulation of sports for political agendas.
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Lewald's Predicament
- Theodor Lewald, head of the German Olympic Committee, was half-Jewish.
- The Nazis tried to fire him, but the IOC pushed back, leaving Lewald in a precarious position.
American Racism and the Boycott
- Americans generally dislike overt racial exclusion in national politics, conflicting with their self-image.
- Black American athletes questioned boycotting Germany while facing similar discrimination at home.
Kirby's Misjudgment
- Gustavus Kirby, sent to observe Olympic preparations, argued Germany wouldn't start another war.
- He based this on their prior boasting, failing to reassure anyone.