Prospective SS recruits had to prove their “racial” purity and superiority through strenuous admissions and training procedures. Among other things, they had to demonstrate their exceptional physical and mental toughness. On a purely aesthetic basis, Himmler (right) preferred tall, blond, “Nordic” types for the SS. He himself corresponded little to this physical ideal.
Source: Heinrich Himmler training for the Reich Silver Sports Badge,
here running with an SS man. Unknown photographer.
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