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Chico Hosts Nazi Olympics Exhibition

The 1936 Olympics were held in Berlin amidst a whirlwind Nazi show designed to demonstrate the efficiency, friendliness, and supremacy of Nordic athletes. The games were seen as an opportunity to advance Nazi ideology.

The atmosphere was politically charged and tense. The Nazi Party had risen to power in 1933, two years after Berlin was awarded the games, and its racist policies led to international debate about a boycott.

In the United States, one of the questions was, "Would it be hypocritical for the United States to protest the games in light of the racism African American athletes faced in their own country?"

What happened, of course, is that the success of Jesse Owens, Ralph Metcalfe, and other African American athletes dominated the games. American sprinter Jesse Owens, alone, won 4 gold medals, either equaling or surpassing the world records for each event.

Chancellor Adolph Hitler failed to congratulate Owens, even after inviting the first two medal winners to shake hands.

The exhibition will be displayed in Colusa Hall from January January 30 through March 29, 2001.

Note: The exhibition is in great need of volunteers to help oversee the exhibit and lead tours. For information, call Barbara Brautigam in the Nazi Olympics office on campus at x5749.