My Greatest Olympic Prize is short story written by an American track and field athlete, Jesse Owens. The main theme of story is friendship, sportsmanship and prejudice. My Greatest Olympic Prize is true story which is based on real life incident.
My Greatest Olympic Prize By Jesse Owens
Summary of My Greatest Olympic Prize By Jesse Owens
The story shares writer’s true friendship experience from 1936 Berlin Olympics. Berlin Olympics 1936 was very special for Jesse Owens as he won four Olympic Gold in it.
Jesse Owens’s “My Greatest Olympic Prize” story begins with 1936 Berlin Olympics which was held in Germany.
At the time Germany’s chancellor was Adolf Hitler who was preparing his country performer for Olympic. Adolf wanted to show the world that Aryan race is better than any other races in the world. Our story writer, Jesse Owens is an African American who faced Racism for his whole life. Jesse was resolved to prove Hitler theory wrong.
As well as he decided to win at least one Gold Medal in upcoming Olympic competition. Jesse was so stubborn that he trained himself for 6 consecutive years. He prepared himself in such a way that he created world record in 26 Feet 8 1 /4 inches running in his University.
Everyone had faith on Jesse Owens that he will win Gold Medal in upcoming Olympic for sure. When Jesse went to Germany, he met German athlete named Luz Long. Luz Long has also trained himself hard and he was also taking 26 Feet leap in practice trials. Jesse was shocked to see Luz Long, how a German athlete is taking such a high leap. After some time, Jesse learns that Luz Long is close to Hitler and has many hope from him.
As Luz Long is close to Hitler, Jesse created bad image of him in his mind. Jesse decides that he won’t let Luz Long win the race no matter what. Jesse has anger in his mind to beat Luz Long, but in anger Jesse made many mistakes in first two leaps of trial games.
He was not able to leap properly. After few days, Jesse realize that he is making mistake because he has anger in his mind for Luz Long. Jesse was frustrated and kicking land in anger. Suddenly, Jesse felt hand touch on his shoulder and when he turn back to see it, he saw his rival, Luz Long.
Luz Long had qualified for finals in his first attempt. He comes to Jesse and ask him why is he in so much anger ? Luz handshake with Jesse, encourage him and advises him start his running from few inches back to do a proper leap.
Jesse takes Luz advise and ends up qualifying for finals. That night, Jesse meets Luz and thanks him for his advice. They both talk for a while about themselves and sportsmanship. As well as they talk about their belief and how they see the world.
Jesse learns about Luz that he doesn’t agree with Hitler theory, he doesn’t believe that Aryans are most supreme athlete. Luz and Jesse notice that their thoughts are very similar to each other so they ends up becoming good friend. Luz wanted Jesse to do his best, and wants him to perform better than other performers.
Next day, when sports event starts Luz break his own old record. Jesse gets motivation from Luz to perform more better. After final jump, Luz was the first person who congratulated Jesse. Whenever Jesse won Gold medal, Luz was the first person to congratulate him. Luz was courageous enough to congratulate Jesse in front of Hitler.
Hitler doesn’t like it when he saw Black man winning Gold Medal. But Luz never cares about Hitler thoughts and always the first cheerleader for his best friend, Jesse. Jesse won four Gold Medals in Olympic. But Jesse says that four Gold medals are not his best wins but friendship with Luz Long was his best wins in life.
Luz friendship is Jesse greatest Olympic prize. At the end of story, Jesse gives a note that Luz Long was perfect example for true sportsman spirit. Luz Long was always available for his friend, Jesse. And he never considered Jesse as his rival.