This city would have hosted in 1916 but for cancellation due to World War I; it would be the last city to host before they were canceled again
The Final Jeopardy clue in the category Olympic Host Cities for Wednesday, October 29, 2025 was: “This city would have hosted in 1916 but for cancellation due to World War I; it would be the last city to host before they were canceled again.”
This clue takes viewers back through Olympic history, focusing on a city tied to both world wars and two cancellations of the Games.
What is Berlin?
Berlin’s connection to the Olympic Games stretches across some of the most turbulent moments in modern history. The city was originally selected to host the 1916 Summer Olympics, which were scheduled to take place during a period of rapid industrial growth and cultural transformation in Germany. Construction began on a new stadium in the city, reflecting the country’s ambition to showcase itself on the global stage. However, those plans came to a halt when World War I erupted in 1914. The Games were ultimately canceled, marking the first time in Olympic history that the event was disrupted by global conflict.
Two decades later, Berlin once again became an Olympic host city, this time for the 1936 Summer Olympics. These Games went forward as planned and became one of the most politically charged events in Olympic history. The Nazi regime used the Games as a propaganda tool, seeking to promote its ideology on an international platform. Yet, the Games are perhaps best remembered for American athlete Jesse Owens’ four gold medals, which powerfully contradicted the racist messages being promoted by the host government.
The Shadow of War and the Next Cancellation
The 1936 Olympics would turn out to be the last held before World War II. The Games scheduled for 1940 in Tokyo and later relocated to Helsinki were canceled due to the escalating conflict. This marked the second major interruption in Olympic history caused by war — once again following Berlin’s hosting. As a result, Berlin remains symbolically tied to both moments when the Games were forced to pause because of global upheaval.
This pattern underscores how closely the Olympics have mirrored world events. The Games are designed to celebrate international unity and athletic achievement, yet they have repeatedly been affected by geopolitical realities. Berlin’s dual connection — as the city that was supposed to host before World War I and the one that did host before World War II — stands as a powerful reminder of how history and sport can intersect in complex ways.
Legacy and Historical Reflection
Today, Berlin’s Olympic Stadium still stands as a historical landmark. While it was renovated for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, its original structure and design remain largely intact. The venue now serves as both a sporting arena and a site of reflection, symbolizing how the city’s athletic history is intertwined with the broader narrative of 20th-century Europe.
Berlin’s Olympic story encapsulates both the triumph of human endurance and the fragility of peace. From a canceled event in 1916 to a politically charged one in 1936, the city’s role in Olympic history remains significant — a reminder that global events can shape even the most unifying traditions.
