Podcast Summary: SER Historia | Historia de las Olimpiadas

Host: Nacho Ares (SER Podcast)
Guests: Conrado Durantez Corral; Iker Ibarrondo Merino
Date: July 28, 2024

Overview

This episode of SER Historia is dedicated to exploring the origins, evolution, and deeper significance of the Olympic Games. Host Nacho Ares, along with renowned Olympic historian Conrado Durantez Corral and researcher Iker Ibarrondo Merino, delves into the ancient Greek roots of the Games, their transformation during the modern era, the values and symbolism they embody, and the intersection of sports and politics, especially as seen in the 20th century. Special attention is given to Jesse Owens’ historic triumph in 1936 Berlin, forgotten figures of Olympic history, the thwarted Barcelona Popular Olympiad of 1936, and the social impact of worker's sport movements.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Legacy of Jesse Owens at the 1936 Berlin Olympics

(00:55 – 08:20)

• Jesse Owens’ Background:
  Owens, an African American athlete from Alabama, overcame severe poverty and discrimination to become a university track star.

• Defiance of Nazi Propaganda:
  Owens’ four gold medals in Berlin directly contradicted the Nazis’ narrative of Aryan supremacy.

  “Bastaron poco más de 10 segundos y un hombre negro para sabotear los planes de Hitler.” (05:05, Narrator)

• Sportsmanship:
  German athlete Luz Long famously advised Owens during the long jump, then celebrated his victory.

• Aftermath and Irony:
  Despite his unprecedented victory, Owens returned to a segregated America and was ignored by President Roosevelt.

  “No fue invitado a la Casa Blanca... ni siquiera le mandó un telegrama de felicitación.” (07:16, Narrator)

• Long-Term Recognition:
  Only in 1966 was Owens finally recognized by the US government.

2. Ancient Origins and Religious Significance of the Olympic Games

(08:22 – 21:38)

• Founding of the Olympic Games:
  The first recorded Games date back to 776 BCE in Olympia, but religious rituals and athletic competitions likely predate this.

  “Los Juegos comienzan antes... emergen a la historia en el año 776, posiblemente porque había allí un periodista de la época, un tal Hipias...” (11:39, Conrado Durantez Corral)

• Religious Roots:
  Athletic competitions were a tribute to the gods, especially Zeus, with the winner chosen as if favored by the divine.

  “El origen histórico de los Juegos Olímpicos... surge el problema de determinar a quién le corresponde prender la llama de la hoguera.” (12:22, Conrado)

• Competitions and Growth:
  Started as a single-day event, expanding over centuries to include races, chariot contests, wrestling, and even music and arts—making it both a sporting and cultural festival.

• Prizes and Symbolism:
  Winners’ only reward was a sacred olive crown, imbued with ritualistic meaning.

  “La corona de olivo era, en la época más espiritual, el único galardón. Pero tenía todo un ritual... el olimpismo está reñido con la muerte.” (20:28, Conrado)

• Broader Social Impact:
  The Games became a panhellenic event attracting artists, philosophers, and public figures such as Herodotus and Plato.

3. The Modern Olympic Revival – Pierre de Coubertin and Forgotten Pioneers

(24:36 – 34:13)

• Evangelis Zappas and George Averoff:
  Before Coubertin, Greek philanthropists attempted Olympic revivals; Averoff funded the marble Panathenaic Stadium in Athens.

  “Evangelio Zapas es un filántropo griego... quiso revivir el esplendor de aquellos juegos...” (25:32, Conrado)

• Pierre de Coubertin:
  Known as the father of the modern Olympics, due to his diplomatic skill in uniting international figures and creating the framework for the modern editions.

  “Es un hombre que a pesar de su tamaño... era un gigante.” (28:15, Conrado)

• Growth and Challenges:
  Addition of Winter Olympics, expansion of sports, and the economic problem known as “gigantism” in hosting the Games.

  “El problema, yo personalmente creo que los Juegos había que podarlos, en vez de aumentarlos...” (33:34, Conrado)

4. Politics, War, and the Games – Berlin ’36 and Barcelona’s Popular Olympiad

(35:49 – 52:26)

• Berlin 1936 as Nazi Propaganda:
  The Games served Hitler’s agenda, excluding Jewish athletes and glorifying the regime.

  “Toda la grandiosidad de unos Juegos Olímpicos al servicio de la propaganda nazi.” (35:56, Narrator)

• Spanish Civil War and the Unheld Barcelona Olympiad:
  In opposition, Spain’s Popular Olympiad was planned as an antifascist alternative but canceled due to the outbreak of civil war.

  “No se pudieron hacer porque el 18 de julio fue el golpe de estado que llevó a la guerra Civil...” (37:58, Nacho)

• Worker’s Sport and Social Change:
  Researcher Iker Ibarrondo explains the “deporte obrero”—a movement aiming to offer healthier, inclusive sporting alternatives for the working class, breaking with elitist models.

  “Es un modelo de deporte antagónico al deporte mercantilizado... producir un ocio sano...” (38:49, Iker)

• Role of Women:
  The Popular Olympiad allowed female participation without restrictions, challenging the norms of the era.

  “...era uno de los pilares de la Olimpiada... se partía de la premisa que el patriarcado y toda esa estructura de poder actuaba sobre la mujer.” (47:16, Iker)

• Legacy and Internationalism:
  The Barcelona event’s inclusive, pacifist spirit, and its challenge to fascist values, left an enduring mark on sports politics.

  “Lo que hacían es entender que el deporte en ese momento va a tener que servir a los fines de frente populistas para frenar el fascismo...” (50:15, Iker)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Para él, el atletismo representaba la libertad frente a la política y la propaganda. Y frente a la raza y la segregación.” (08:17, Narrator, on Jesse Owens)
• “Yo siempre digo que es como la Sevilla de mostaza en la Biblia, que la lleva al viento, cae y genera una gran planta.” (13:55, Conrado, on the growth of the Games)
• “El único atleta en la historia que fue proclamado vencedor después de muerte, fue un tal Arrquión de Figalia...” (17:32, Conrado, on ancient sports heroics)
• “La esencia del Olimpismo... ese humanismo que está detrás de lo que son los grandes éxitos se desconoce.” (34:45, Conrado, on what modern coverage misses)

Important Timestamps

• 00:55 – The story of Jesse Owens and the 1936 Berlin Olympics
• 08:22 – The ancient origins of the Olympic Games: context and ritual
• 12:22 – The athletic-religious festival and how sacred rites shaped competition
• 17:32 – Dangerous events: pancracio and posthumous champions
• 24:36 – Transition to the modern Games; contributions by Zappas and Averoff
• 28:15 – Pierre de Coubertin’s revival and international organizing
• 33:34 – Discussion of economic challenges and “gigantism”
• 35:49 – The use of 1936 Berlin Olympics as propaganda, alternative plans in Spain
• 38:49 – Introduction to the worker’s sport movement (Iker Ibarrondo Merino)
• 47:16 – Female participation in the worker’s/Popular Olympiad
• 50:15 – The Popular Olympiad as a political and social statement

Tone & Style

The episode is informative but conversational, mixing storytelling, academic insights, and occasional humor. Nacho Ares conducts the interviews with warmth and curiosity, allowing the guests to recall anecdotes, historical corrections, and overlooked details. The discussion balances factual rigor with engaging narrative, presenting history as vibrant, relevant, and at times full of ironies.

Conclusion

This episode of SER Historia offers a rich and nuanced exploration of the Olympic Games as more than mere sporting events—they are deeply tied to religious origins, social ideals, and political struggles. Through detailed historical accounts, personal stories, and expert analysis, listeners gain a new appreciation for the enduring significance, challenges, and transformative potential of Olympism.