Controversy Erupts Over IOC's Sale of Nazi-Era Olympic T-Shirts

Fri Feb 13 2026 04:39:36 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The International Olympic Committee faces backlash for selling T-shirts commemorating the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games, criticized for their historical ties to Nazi propaganda.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is under fire for selling T-shirts featuring designs from the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games, which were used by the Nazi regime for propaganda. Critics in Germany are demanding an end to the sales, while the IOC defends the decision as part of an Olympic Heritage Collection. The controversy highlights the complexities of commemorating a historical event with deep and troubling connections to racism and propaganda.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is under scrutiny for its recent decision to sell T-shirts that commemorate the controversial 1936 Berlin Olympic Games. These T-shirts feature designs that were historically utilized by Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime for propaganda purposes, leading to significant criticism from various quarters.

In Germany, there are increasing calls to halt the sale of these shirts. The IOC, however, has defended its actions as part of its Heritage Collection, aimed at celebrating the styles and designs from all editions of the Olympic Games. A spokesperson for the IOC cited the historical significance of the event but acknowledged the complex historical issues linked to Nazi propaganda.

The T-shirts, adorned with the original poster design by Franz Würbel, were reportedly sold out after being made available as collectibles. These designs include imagery of a male figure wearing a laurel wreath, set against the backdrop of iconic landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate, with the text Germany Berlin 1936 Olympic Games.

The 1936 Games were pivotal for the Nazi regime, promoting ideals of racial supremacy and glorifying Nazi Germany on an international level. Klara Schedlich, a spokesperson for the Green Party in Berlin's House of Representatives, voiced her concerns, stating that the IOC is not adequately reflecting on its history by allowing such items to be marketed without proper context.

While the IOC aims to celebrate the athletic achievements observed at the Games, including Jesse Owens' four gold medals that contradicted Nazi racial ideologies, critics argue that the historical implications of using imagery associated with the regime overshadow its sports heritage.

The IOC stressed that the historical values and narratives related to the 1936 Berlin Games are discussed in-depth at its Olympic Museum in Lausanne. Only a limited number of these T-shirts were produced, reflecting the complexities involved in preserving sports history amidst problematic political symbolism.