IOC MEDIAVerifizierter Account

We apologise to those who feel offended by the film of the Olympic Games Berlin 1936. We have deleted this film, which was part of the series of films featuring the message of unity and solidarity, from the @Olympics Twitter account. (8/8)

We understand that the film about the Olympic Games Berlin 1936 which includes this story was not perceived in this way. (7/8)

Through his outstanding sporting achievements, he taught a resounding lesson to the Nazi regime, shattering its despicable fascist claims of racial superiority. He befriended his German competitor Luz Long, creating iconic Olympic moments of respect and solidarity. (6/8)

By contrast, in the Olympic Village he was living together as an equal with all the other athletes, enjoying the same rights. (5/8)

The story of Jesse Owens and Luz Long represents an iconic, historical moment, where the spirit of fraternity was demonstrated at the highest level. Jesse Owens, the legendary four-time Olympic champion, had to suffer at home from the painful reality of racial segregation. (4/8)

The images selected for all the films were chosen to deliver the message of unity and solidarity. Those for the Olympic Games Berlin 1936 were specifically chosen for that purpose, NOT to celebrate this edition of the Games. (3/8)

However, we understand from specific reactions on social media that the film about the Olympic Games Berlin 1936, which includes Jesse Owens and Luz Long as well as the Olympic flame, was interpreted in the opposite way to that intended. (2/8)

The IOC appreciates the many positive reactions to its “One Year to Go” Tokyo 2020 message of unity and solidarity. This universal message was featured in the series of over 30 short films showing Olympic flame moments from Athens 1896 through to Rio 2016. (1/8)