Ep 7. The Boys Of '36

In the season 28 episode 7 of American Experience titled "The Boys Of '36," viewers are taken on a journey through history to the summer of 1936. The U.S. was still struggling to recover from the Great Depression, and Hitler's rise to power was creating tension around the world.

Against this backdrop, a group of young men from the University of Washington set out to compete in the Olympics in Berlin. These boys, mostly from humble backgrounds, were determined to prove their worth on the world stage. They were rowers, and their sport was not typically thought of as one that would bring glory to the United States.

But these young men had a drive and a determination that was unmatched, and they were willing to put in the hard work and dedication required to succeed. They trained tirelessly under the guidance of their coach, Al Ulbrickson, who was tough but fair. He believed in his boys and pushed them to be their best.

As the summer of 1936 approached, the University of Washington crew team began to make waves in the world of rowing. They defeated teams from all over the country and earned a spot on the U.S. Olympic team. The boys headed to Berlin, determined to bring home the gold medal.

Their journey to the Olympics was not an easy one. They faced numerous challenges, both on and off the water. They struggled with injuries, conflicts with each other, and the pressure of competing on the world stage. Meanwhile, tensions were rising between the United States and Nazi Germany, creating an even more intense atmosphere.

Despite all of these obstacles, the boys of '36 remained focused on their goal. They worked together as a team and gave it their all on the day of the big race. The outcome was nothing short of miraculous, as they shocked the world by beating the heavily favored German team and bringing home the gold medal.

"The Boys Of '36" is a thrilling, inspiring look at one of the greatest sports stories in American history. It's a story of perseverance, dedication, and the power of teamwork. Viewers will be amazed by the incredible feats of these young men and the impact they had on the world of rowing and beyond. The episode also sheds new light on the political and social climate of the era, providing a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal moment in world history.