Berlin Eyes 2036 Olympics, Grappling with History and Hurdles
Berlin has officially entered the race to host the 2036 Summer Olympic Games, a symbolic move made at the Berlin Olympiastadion. This is the same venue where, during the 1936 games, American sprinter Jesse Owens defied Adolf Hitler’s ideology of racial supremacy by winning four gold medals.
A Green Vision for the Future
Iris Spranger, Berlin’s sports Senator, outlined the city’s ambition to host an eco -responsible Olympic Games
in either 2036, 2040, or 2044. The proposal emphasizes leveraging existing infrastructure to minimize environmental impact and costs.
Did You Know?
The 1936 Berlin Olympics were the first to be televised, albeit only to public viewing rooms in Berlin.
Tempelhof Airport: A Potential Stumbling Block
One ambitious element of Berlin’s bid involves incorporating the former tempelhof airport. However, this plan faces important opposition. Residents previously rejected a revitalization project to transform the site into a municipal park during a 2014 referendum, potentially hindering its inclusion in the Olympic plans.
Iconic Locations in the Spotlight
Spranger envisions showcasing Berlin’s landmarks, with beach volleyball potentially taking place at the Porte de Brandebourg (Brandenburg Gate). Water sports could be held in Grünau, a local village that also hosted these events during the 1936 Olympics, creating a direct link to the city’s Olympic past.
details Remain Sparse
Despite the unveiling,Spranger remained cautious,describing Berlin’s candidacy as still embryonic.
She urged journalists to exercise patience, stating, You will have to be patient.
“Berlin+”: A Collaborative Effort
The candidacy, dubbed “Berlin+,” enjoys the support of several federated states: Brandenburg, Saxony, Mecklembourg-Poméranie Western, and Schleswig-Holstein. This collaborative bid will be presented to the German confederation of Olympic Sports (DOSB) before the end of the month.
The Road Ahead: DOSB’s Decision
The DOSB will determine wich edition of the Summer Olympics Berlin’s candidacy will target. With Los Angeles hosting the 2028 games and Brisbane the 2032 games, the 2036 Olympics represent the next available chance. This also marks the centennial of the controversial 1936 Berlin Olympics.
pro Tip: Understanding Olympic Bidding
Olympic bids are complex, involving detailed plans for venues, security, transportation, and accommodation. Cities must demonstrate financial stability and public support to be considered.
Acknowledging the Past, Embracing the Future
The shadow of the 1936 Olympics looms large.Berlin’s mayor, Kai Wagner, acknowledged this past weight, stating:
I believe that the 2036 Olympics, it doesn’t matter where they take place, will also emphasize the 1936 Nazi games. it is part of history, and there will be references.
Kai Wagner, mayor of Berlin
He emphasized Berlin’s transformation, adding:
I must emphasize this, I am proud to lead a city that has changed as much in the past 100 years, which is no longer associated with a dictatorship, exclusion and large -scale violence, because Berlin is now a cosmopolitan city, an international, colorful, and inclusive metropolis.
Kai Wagner, Mayor of Berlin
A Symbolic Venue
The presentation by wegner, Spranger, and the state governors took place at the Berlin Olympiastadion. This is the same stadium where Adolf Hitler witnessed Jesse Owens’s triumphs in 1936, a powerful rebuke to the Nazi ideology of Aryan supremacy.
Historical Context: Hitler’s Influence
Adolf Hitler personally oversaw the design and construction of the 100,000-seat athletics stadium after the Nazi regime seized power in 1933, two years after Berlin was awarded the Olympic Games. This highlights the regime’s attempt to use the Olympics as a propaganda tool.
