Hitler In The Olympics
In 1933, Nazi party leader Adolf Hitler became chancellor of Germany. The Nazi party controlled all aspects of German life including sports. German sports promoted the myth of Aryan racial superiority and physical strength. In April of 1933, an Aryans only policy was put in place no Jews or Gypsies were allowed in any German sports.
Because of Germany's racist policies banning non - aryans form competing and the way the rest of the world reacted to these policies, Germany allowed Helene Mayer, a Jewish woman, to compete and represent Germany at the games. She won a silver medal in fencing. No other Jewish athlete competed for Germany in the Summer Olympic Games.
In 1933, Nazi party leader Adolf Hitler became chancellor of Germany. The Nazi party controlled all aspects of German life including sports. German sports promoted the myth of Aryan racial superiority and physical strength. In April of 1933, an Aryans only policy was put in place no Jews or Gypsies were allowed in any German sports.
Because of Germany's racist policies banning non - aryans form competing and the way the rest of the world reacted to these policies, Germany allowed Helene Mayer, a Jewish woman, to compete and represent Germany at the games. She won a silver medal in fencing. No other Jewish athlete competed for Germany in the Summer Olympic Games.