Charles Sherrill, pivotal in US 1936 Olympics decision, faced moral dilemma. Podcast explores his affluent upbringing, career, and interactions with influential figures. Also delves into the elite world of the International Olympic Committee and rise of Adolf Hitler in Germany. Navigating moral dilemmas at Berlin Olympics and documenting Sherrill's fascinating life through scrapbooks.
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Quick takeaways
Charles Sherrill influenced American athletes' participation in the 1936 Olympics.
Sherrill advocated for inclusion of Jewish athletes at the Berlin Games, challenging discriminatory practices.
Deep dives
Charles Hitchcock Sherrill's Influence and Legacy
Charles Hitchcock Sherrill, a prominent figure in the early 1930s, played a pivotal role in the debate over attending the Berlin Games and was a central character shaping the Olympic Games' history. Despite being largely forgotten today, Sherrill had significant influence, mingling with American presidents, crossing the Atlantic numerous times, and leaving a lasting impact on discussions surrounding the Olympics.
Sherrill's Negotiation with the German Government
Charles Sherrill, known for his diplomatic skills, confronted the German government at the Vienna meeting to advocate for Jewish athletes' inclusion in the 1936 Olympic Games. Through assertiveness and tenacity, Sherrill successfully convinced the Germans to guarantee that Jewish athletes would not be excluded, demonstrating his willingness to stand against discriminatory practices.
The IOC's Dilemma and Sherrill's Intervention
During the Vienna meeting, the International Olympic Committee faced a moral dilemma regarding the participation of Jewish athletes in the Berlin Games. Charles Sherrill, as a key member of the executive committee, played a significant role in resolving the issue by pushing for fair treatment and equality for all athletes, ultimately ensuring the Olympics' continuity.
The Preservation of Charles Sherrill's Legacy
Charles Hitchcock Sherrill's meticulously maintained scrapbooks, preserved at the New York Historical Society, offer a unique glimpse into his life and controversial views. Despite his pro-Nazi sentiments being on display, his preserved records provide valuable insights into a complex period of American history, presenting an unfiltered view of his character and beliefs.
Charles Sherrill was everything a gentleman of his generation was supposed to be: rich, handsome, charming, Ivy-Leagued. He was impossibly well connected and extravagantly mustachioed. He was also the person who, as much as anything, decided whether American athletes would participate in the 1936 Olympics. Faced with one of the great moral dilemmas of the day, America needed the wisdom of Solomon. Instead, it got the wisdom of Sherrill.