The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been criticized for its decision to prohibit the wearing of 'memorial helmets' dedicated to the victims of the Ukraine war, while simultaneously selling out commemorative T-shirts from the 1936 Berlin Olympics, which were used as a propaganda tool by the Nazis. Reports emerged from various news outlets, including CNN, highlighting that these controversial items were part of the IOC's 'Heritage Collection,' which aims to celebrate Olympic history through merchandise featuring posters and designs from past games. However, the choice to include items related to the 1936 Berlin Games, particularly seen as a major political propaganda event for Adolf Hitler's regime, raises serious ethical concerns about the IOC's stance on historical representation and commercialism.

The Berlin Olympics, held just a few years after the Nazis came to power, were meticulously orchestrated to showcase an image of a successful and normalized Germany, while simultaneously hiding the regime's oppressive policies, including anti-Semitism and racial discrimination. Despite efforts to present the event as a celebration of sports, it became a platform for demonstrating the alleged superiority of the 'Aryan race.' The IOC's decision to sell memorabilia from this event under the guise of 'heritage' has sparked debate over whether it is appropriate to commercialize such a controversial and dark chapter in history. Critics have pointed out the hypocrisy of promoting this merchandise while enforcing bans on symbols of remembrance for victims of modern conflicts.

In response to the backlash, the IOC has removed the sold-out products from its official store, reflecting the sensitivity surrounding the issue. A representative for the IOC stated that while they recognize the problematic nature of Nazi propaganda, they also wish to celebrate the achievements of athletes like Jesse Owens, an African-American who famously won four gold medals at the Berlin Games amidst rampant racism. This situation highlights the complexities of dealing with sporting events that have profound historical and political implications, as the IOC navigates the fine line between heritage and commercialization amid ongoing calls for a more responsible approach to Olympic history.