Germany Stays in Race for 2036 Olympics Despite Historical Sensitivity Concerns

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy: Germany will continue its bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics despite concerns raised over the historical significance of the year, German Olympic Sports Federation (DOSB) President Thomas Weikert said on Saturday.

The DOSB is expected to decide later this year which German city or region Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, or the Rhine-Ruhr area will be proposed as a candidate to host the 2036, 2040, or 2044 Olympic Games.

However, the 2036 edition is considered controversial due to its link to the 1936 Berlin Olympics, which were used by Nazi leader Adolf Hitler as a propaganda platform.

President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s spokesperson said earlier this week that the German president views 2036 as a historically sensitive year for a German Olympic bid. Despite this, Weikert stressed that all possible hosting years remain open.

“The International Olympic Committee decides when the Games will come to Europe. It could be that they decide 2036 is for Asia or Africa,” Weikert said. “We must be ready to organize the Games whenever they decide.”

He added that Germany wants to present a positive image to the world, including in 2036.

The 1936 Olympics are remembered both for Nazi propaganda and for the historic achievements of American sprinter Jesse Owens, who won four gold medals and challenged Nazi racial ideology.

Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said hosting the 2036 Games could provide an opportunity for Germany to demonstrate the lessons learned from its history and highlight its democratic values to younger generations.

Los Angeles will host the 2028 Olympics, followed by Brisbane in 2032. Several countries and cities, including Budapest, Doha, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and India, have expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Games.

The bidding process is currently on hold while the International Olympic Committee reviews its hosting selection process.