THE MODERN OLYMPIC GAMES: RARE PHOTOGRAPHS

rom time to time, Olympika plans to devote a small section of the journal to the F publication of rare Olympic photographs. The photographs presented on the following pages compose the first edition of such an initiative. Each of the photographs concern events associated with the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. The selected photographs are of German origin, part of a huge cache of archival material removed from Germany by American officials at the conclusion of World War II. Eventually, the photographs were consigned to the National Archives of the United States where they remained for several decades before being returned to German authorities after lengthy negotiations. Prior to their return to Germany in the late 1980s, copies were made. Displayed on the following pages are “copies of copies,” photographed by Scott Martyn at the new National Archives facility in College Park, Maryland, U.S.A. Grateful appreciation is extended to the National Archives for access to the collection.

The celebrated Jesse Owens, American star of the Berlin Games, displays three of the four gold medals won in track and field events. The picture was taken in the athletes’ Olympic village.

OLYMPIKA: The International Journal of Olympic Studies Volume IV, 1995. pp. 113-126 114 Olympika Volume IV -- 1995

Leni Riefensthal in the altis at Olympia with her camera crew during some of the earliest filming of material for her epic film Olympia. Rare Photographs 115

At Olympia in early July 1936, a Greek girl holding the Olympic torch is escorted by maidens through the excavated tunnel leading from the altis to the just prior to the ceremonies surrounding the lighting of the sacred flame and commencement of modern history’s first Olympic torch relay. 116 OIympika Volume IV -- 1995

The lighting of the sacred in the ancient stadium at Olympia. Rare Photographs 117

Members of Leni Riefensthal’s film crew focusing a high speed camera for filming action on the polo field behind the . 118 Olympika Volume IV -- 1995

Mounted near the top of the Olympic stadium, Riefensthal’s pioneering version of the modern zoom lens. Rare Photographs 119

Riefensthal’s technique for filming the cycling events. 120 Olympika Volume IV -- 1995

A scene from a polo match. Note the large divots torn from the sod by the horses' hooves. Rare Photographs 121

Divot replacers with Olympic rings-embrossed dovit pounders. 122 Olympika Volume IV -- 1995

Divot replacers in action. Rare Photographs 123

An example of one of the first television cameras to capture the Olympic Games. 124 Olympika Volume IV -- 1995

Adolf Hitler presents flowers to a celebrated guest, the 64 year old Greek Olympic hero, Spiridon Loues, revered winner of the marathon run at the Olympic Games in in 1896.. Rare Photographs 125

A pleased Adolf Hitler receives the Olympic Order (held by Theodor Lewald) from IOC president, Count Baillet Latour. 126 Olympika Volume IV -- 1995

Under a portrait of the Third Reich’s Führer, the International Olympic Committee gathers for a formal photograph following its last General Session Meeting in Berlin’s Hotel Adlon, August 1936.