Controversial 'Nazi Games' T-shirt Sparks Debate on Olympic Legacy

The International Olympic Committee's decision to sell T-shirts depicting the 1936 Berlin Olympics, infamous for their Nazi propaganda, has sparked public criticism. The IOC, however, defends the move, emphasizing the need to protect its trademark from unauthorized use.

The Berlin Games, orchestrated under Adolf Hitler's regime, are infamous for promoting Nazi ideology. Despite the dark historical context, they are also remembered for athletes like Jesse Owens, whose victories challenged the myth of Aryan supremacy at the time.

IOC spokesperson Mark Adams explained that retaining the trademark rights is crucial to preventing potential exploitation. While the IOC seeks to distance itself from the Nazi era, it retains elements like the torch relay, introduced in 1936, now a staple of the Olympic tradition.