The International Olympic Committee has come under fire for offering t-shirts that feature imagery from the 1936 Berlin Olympics, a period associated with Nazi propaganda.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is facing significant backlash after it was reported that they are selling t-shirts associated with the 1936 Berlin Olympics, a controversial event closely tied to Nazi propaganda. This criticism follows the recent exclusion of Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych from the Olympics, amplifying scrutiny on the IOC's actions and decisions. According to CNN, the t-shirts are available on the official Milan 2026 Olympics merchandise site, listed under the 'Heritage Collection.'
The t-shirt features an official poster created by Franz Würbel that depicts an athlete adorned with a laurel wreath, Olympic rings, and the Brandenburg Gate, all inscribed with the title 'Germany Berlin 1936 Olympic Games.' The historical context of the 1936 Olympics is particularly troubling, as these games were used by Adolf Hitler to promote the Nazi regime and perpetuate discriminatory ideologies against Jewish athletes and others.
In their defense, the IOC claims that each edition of the Olympics reflects a unique time and place in history when the world came together to celebrate humanity. However, critics argue that providing merchandise that glorifies such a dark period undermines the values of inclusivity and sportsmanship the IOC claims to uphold, raising questions about the organization's judgment and sensitivity towards historical context after multiple controversies regarding inclusivity and representation in the Olympics.
