Professional Olympics nerd, Matt Lieb, discusses Avery Brundage's controversial role in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Topics include the evolution of the modern Olympics, ancient Greek origins, amateurism in sports, risks of data breaches, financial struggles, mistreatment of athletes, and the complexities of navigating political ideologies within the games.
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Quick takeaways
The origins of Olympics aimed to redefine amateurism to exclude working-class athletes.
Avery Brundage's transition from working-class background to model amateur athlete mirrors belief in capitalism.
Brundage's belief in amateurism impacted the future of college athletics, despite limiting benefits for athletes.
Deep dives
Origins and Revival of the Olympics
The podcast delves into the origins of the Olympics, highlighting how the first Olympics in 1896 aimed to redefine amateurism to exclude working-class athletes. It discusses Pierre de Coubertin's belief in the power of sports to end global conflicts and the evolution of amateurism rules to limit athletes from profiting from sports, focusing more on fair play and sportsmanship.
Avery Brundage's Background and Athletic Pursuits
Avery Brundage, born into a working-class family, excels as a track star and later joins the U of Illinois to pursue civil engineering while engaging in basketball and track. Brundage emerges as a stereotypical jock, showcasing leadership and athleticism, highlighting a contrast between his humble beginnings and his later success in sports and academics.
Impact of Avery Brundage's View on Sports and Capitalism
As Brundage climbs the ladder of success, working as a construction superintendent and overseeing various architectural projects in Chicago, he sees athletic competition as a testament to the merits of capitalism. The podcast reveals how Brundage's interpretation of sports mirrors his belief in the virtues of capitalism, showcasing his transition from a working-class background to a model amateur athlete in the early 1900s.
The Strange World of Race Walking and Olympic History
Race walking, often mocked for its appearance, is surprisingly intense and demanding. Despite the comparisons to childbirth, it remains an Olympic event that some athletes take very seriously. Avery Brundage, a renowned athlete, excelled in a variety of track and field events, including the 880 yard heel and toe walk. Brundage, though successful, faced disappointment in the 1912 Olympics, showcasing the challenges of competitive sports.
Avery Brundage's Role in Sports Administration and Political Views
Following his athletic career, Avery Brundage ventured into sports administration, playing a significant role in bridging the gap between the Athletic Association and the NCAA. His belief in amateurism led to the certification of college students as amateurs, impacting the future of college athletics. Nonetheless, his stance contributed to exploitative practices, setting a precedent that limited benefits for college athletes. Brundage's political views and adamant stance on the Olympics being apolitical underscored his belief in upholding democratic values, while overlooking the inherent political nature of the Games.
Robert sits down with Matt Lieb to discuss Avery Brundage, the millionaire athlete and professional Olympics nerd who stopped the U.S. from Boycotting the 1936 Berlin Olympics.