1936- Berlin

In 1936 when Berlin was as the site of the 1936 Olympics, few people suspected that a mere two years would see the rise of Adolph Hitler and the Nazi Party.  Jewish groups in various countries asked for a boycott of the Berlin Olympics and in the US a boycott proposal was narrowly defeated. These Olympics are best remembered for Hitler's failed attempt to prove his theories of the Aryan racial superiority.  Ironically, the hero of these Games was a German, Jesse Owens.  He was an Black sprinter and long jumper who won four Gold medals. During the long jump competition he publicly befriended a German "rival" right in front of the Nazis. 1936 saw the introduction of the torch relay which a lighted torch is carried from Olympia to the site of the current Games. It was also the first game to be broadcasted on television. Twenty-five large screens were set up around the city of Berlin allowing local people to see the Games for free. Basketball, canoeing, and team handball made their first appearance, while polo was included in the Olympic program for the last time.