2.2 MYGREATEST OLYMPIC PRIZE

BBA & BHM –I STUDY MATERIAL

 

UNIT II

 

2.2 MYGREATEST OLYMPIC PRIZE

 

Jesse Owens

 

 

INTRODUCTION:

 

Jesse Owens in his article “My greatest Olympic prize” is expressing his views and the fact that taking part in Olympics is more important than wining. Second thing the author conveys that any participant needs to have spirit of a true sportsmanship.

 

EXPLANATION:

 

This essay revolves around two character Luz Long who was trained in the Nazi youth school, evidently did not possess the sly characteristics of Nazis. His leader had brought him to take part in the Olympics to win. Long, though knowing the pressure on him, had not lost the spirit of a true sportsman. He had no inhibitions in offering his rival a very important tip even though it could have meant his failure. He saw his rival as a friend. The other character was the Owens who initially saw Luz Long as his professional rival since Long was brought in by Hitler to beat Owens.

 

Hitler had secretly nurtured a very strong Nazi Youth named Luz Long and kept him hidden until the day, to petrify other athletes, especially owens. Owens anger on Long led him to fouling in the trials. Long noticed a world record holder Owens pathetically fouling, understood the reason behind it. Without hesitation, despite being an opponent, he extends an arm of friendship to Owens. Long was expected to beat Owens in the finals. His being friendly with owens will only result angering his leader. Without paying heed to that, he also gives his rival crucial tips to avoid fouling. Owens took the advice and won.

 

When Owens finished his jump, he found Long by his side congratulating him on his victory, not bothering about his leaders glares. He didn’t seem to mind his loss. His handshake, at Owens’ victory, showed no sign of jealousy either. Long was the epitome of the message of Coubertin that not winning, but taking part in Olympics is more important.

 

 

 

CONCLUSION:

 

Luz Long’s friendship was the greatest Olympic Prize that Owens ever won in his life. Luz Long’s compassion and camaraderie(good friend) touched Owens. Luz Long recognized the battle in Owens’ mind and offered him a valuable tip. He was genuinely happy for Owens when he won the gold. He was by Owens’ side, congratulating him. It is very rare for a rival to offer professional tips but Long did. It is very rare for a rival to congratulate the winner without feeling a pang of jealousy. But Long felt none. What Long felt was evident in what he said and how he looked. His selflessness proves that he was an epitome(example) of goodness and true sportsmanship. His congratulating Owens on his victory was of greater value to Owens than the gold medal itself. His genuine heart was so that Owens felt nothing could equalize the friendship that formed between the two.