Historical Evolution of sports Historical Evolucion of sports researchpdf | Page 36

However Hitler's government failed to deliver such promises and only one athlete of Jewish descent was a member of the German Team (Helene Mayer) ● The Olympics was the perfect opportunity for Hitler to demonstrate to the world, how efficient Nazi Germany was and to prove reality of the Master Race. ● The Berlin Olympic Games gave the Nazis an opportunity to show off to the world as 49 countries were competing and bringing with them assorted media. Lutz lang vs. Jesse owen ● LUTZ LANG ● Germany´s athletic superstar. ● A brilliant long jumper ● Who easily fitted into the image of blonde hair, blue eyed Aryan racial superiority. ● JESSE OWEN ● The most famous athlete in America. ● An african american. ● Therefore under Nazi ideology. ● ¨racially inferior¨ How lutz lang and jesse owen changed the Olympics Hitler was not very fond of Jesse Owens because he was African American. Despite Hitler´s views and opinions, Jesse went to the Olympics anyway and won four gold medals. During the long jump competition Jess made friends with a German by the name of Lutz Lang. The two remained friends until Lutz died in World War Two. So how did they changed the olympics? Lutz befriended Jesse, a black man. They showed true Olympic and non racial spirit and remained friends until death, even though their friendship was looked down upon by Hitler. HISTORICAL EVOLUTION OF SPORTS 36