Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: POW Olympics
Jul 3, 2024
Discover the incredible story of the POW Olympics held during WWII, showcasing resilience among captives. Learn about the unique blend of sports and arts that defined these events, revealing the camaraderie and creativity of prisoners. From unusual sports that never made it to the official Olympics to the political motivations behind these spectacles, the narrative highlights how even in dire circumstances, the human spirit shines through. It's a gripping exploration of how laughter and competition thrived despite the harsh realities of war.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
POW Olympics in Woldenburg
- In 1944, Polish POWs held Olympics in Woldenburg, Poland, with Nazi cooperation.
- This was partly due to the Nazis wanting to appear lenient compared to Russian prison camps.
Secret POW Olympics
- A secret POW Olympics was also held in Langwasser, Germany, in 1940.
- This one was different from Woldenburg, as it was held in secret to avoid penalties from German captors.
Victory: A POW Soccer Story
- The film "Victory" portrays a soccer match between Nazis and POWs with an escape plan.
- At halftime, the POWs face the dilemma of escaping or trying to beat the Nazis.