BBC SPORT | HISTORY | Berlin 1936

The IOC were concerned about the Nazis' rise to power in Germany but following the successful Winter Olympics in Germany earlier that year, Berlin was able to host the Games.

Many countries, particularly the United States, proposed boycotting the Games but the only notable absentees were Spain who withdrew due to the outbreak of civil war.

The Games were opened by Adolf Hitler and a number of teams gave the Nazi salute during the opening ceremony although Great Britain and the United States abstained.

Owens also took gold in the long jump

The star of the Games was American Jesse Owens with four gold medals in the 100m, 200m, long jump and as a member of the 4x100m relay team.

However it was the powerful German team, backed fully by the government, that topped the medals table.

The host nation picked up 33 golds, with the US collecting 24 and Hungary ten.

Canoeing, basketball and outdoor 11-a-side handball all made their Olympic debuts.

Because of the Second World War these were to be the last Olympics until 1948.




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