A Mysterious Athlete in the 1936 Olympics
At the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Dora Ratjen finished fourth in the women’s high jump. However, years later, it was revealed that Ratjen was not female but male and/or intersex, raising questions about gender and deception in sports.
The Discovery of Gender Secrets
Born in 1918 as Dora, Ratjen grew up unaware of their biological sex and competed as a female athlete. In 1938, suspicions arose, and an investigation revealed that Ratjen was biologically male. After an arrest and a medical examination, Ratjen admitted to being a man, and later, a change in official records listed him as Heinrich Ratjen.
A Life Altered by the Nazis
Following the discovery, Ratjen’s Olympic achievements were erased. He was sent to work as a man and later ran his family’s bar. Despite this, rumors circulated that the Nazis had forced Ratjen to compete as a woman to protect Germany’s Olympic reputation.
Confusion and Fictionalized Accounts
In 2009, the movie Berlin 36 fictionalized Ratjen’s story, portraying them as a pawn of the Nazis. However, historical records contradict this narrative, casting doubt on the movie’s portrayal and suggesting that Ratjen’s story was far more complex.
At the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Dora Ratjen finished fourth in the women’s high jump, but years later, the athlete was revealed to be biologically male and/or intersex, sparking a debate on gender and deception in sports. Ratjen’s true identity shocked the world.🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/SbNu9oOpua
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) March 27, 2025