1936 Olympic Games
Posted on 08/01/2007 at 05:52:16 PM by David Patt
The 1936 Olympic Games, held in Berlin, Germany 71 years ago today, are widely known in the United States for Adolf Hitler reportedly snubbing black American track champions Jesse Owens and Ralph Metcalfe after their victories in the 4x100 meter relay.
What is not as widely known is that U.S. track stars Marty Glickman and Sam Stoller were benched by the American Olympic committee in apparent deference to Hitler's desire to avoid recognizing Jewish athletes. Owens and Metcalfe were last-minute replacements in the final track event.
Running has come a long way over the intervening decades. Race, religion, and gender discrimination are rare, and the running community has embraced athletes from all corners of the world.
For the average runner, racing is a place where people can share their enthusiasm for sports and fitness regardless of their politics, lifestyle, religious beliefs, or ancestry. Let's keep it that way.
