The Games Of '36 Winter Olympics Book Signed by AuthorThe 1936 German Olympics took place at a critical time in the 20th century and were unusual in many respects.
- It was the first time that television was used to broadcast a sporting event.
- The first torch run to light the Olympic flame was originated. Perhaps the most important Olympic film ever produced covered the summer games.
- It was the first real political boycotts. The first fully self-contained Olympic village was constructed.
- It was the most elaborate Olympics staged up to that time and for several more afterwards.
- The largest crowd to ever watch a baseball game (100,00) saw an exhibition match between two American teams.
- Basketball was introduced to the Olympics.
- Three American competitors were removed from the team for breaking training or for criminal activities.
- Downhill skiing was introduced to the winter games.
- A Polish female sprinter was later found out to be a male.
- Two American sprinters were replaced on the relay team supposedly because they were Jewish.
- The youngest American participant was a 13-year-old diver.
- Germany, the host country, won the most medals, the last time a country other than the United States or the Soviet Union would do so.
- Several athletes such as Jesse Owens and Sonja Henie would become household names throughout the world.
- Many myths have grown up around the 1936 Olympics, including one that had Hitler snubbing Jesse Owens after his victory in the 100-meter dash.
A fascinating book covering early history leading to WWII. Incredible photo collection. By Stan Cohen. Edition unknown, published 1996.
Ski history book has Soft cover. 236 pages, 11 x 8.5 inches. Photos included.
