My Greatest Olympic Prize by Jesse Owens Essay

Introduction:

Jesse Owens' "My Greatest Olympic Prize" tells the story of the American athlete's determination and perseverance at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. The story also highlights the value of sportsmanship and friendship, as Owens develops a bond with the German long jumper Luz Long. This essay will explore the themes of perseverance and sportsmanship as depicted in Owens' short story. It will also consider the legacy of Jesse Owens as an athlete and a civil rights pioneer.

Theme:

One of the main themes of Jesse Owens' short story "My Greatest Olympic Prize" is the power of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. Throughout the story, Owens faces numerous challenges and setbacks, including discrimination and hostility as a black athlete in a time of intense nationalism and racial tensions. Despite these challenges, Owens remains focused and determined to succeed, and ultimately achieves his goal of winning a gold medal in the long jump event. The story suggests that with perseverance and determination, anyone can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

Summary:

Jesse Owens is an American athlete competing in the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. The games are being held amid intense nationalism and racial tensions, as Adolf Hitler has promoted the idea of an "Aryan master race" and excluded Jewish athletes from participating. Owens faces discrimination and hostility as a black athlete, but remains determined to succeed, especially in the long jump event. He has trained for six years, with the games in mind, and is confident that he will take home one or two gold medals.

However, Owens is surprised to find that a tall, blond-haired German athlete named Luz Long is also competing in the long jump event and appears to be a strong contender. Hitler has kept Long hidden and is hoping that he will win the event, which would add support to the Nazi's idea of Aryan superiority. Owens is angry and determined to prove that he and other non-Aryan athletes are superior. However, his anger causes him to make mistakes and he fouls on his first two qualifying jumps. He is devastated and fears that he has made a fool of himself by fouling out of the trials.

Feeling discouraged, Owens walks a few yards from the pit and kicks at the dirt in frustration. Long approaches him and offers a friendly handshake. He introduces himself and speaks to Owens in English with a German twist. Long can see that something is troubling Owens and asks him what is wrong. Owens does not tell Long what is "eating" him, but Long seems to understand his anger and takes pains to reassure him. Despite being schooled in the Nazi youth movement, Long does not believe in the idea of Aryan superiority.

Long suggests that Owens draw a line a few inches in back of the board and aim to make his take-off from there. This way, Owens will be sure not to foul and will jump far enough to qualify. Owens takes Long's advice and qualifies with almost a foot to spare. That night, Owens walks over to Long's room in the Olympic village to thank him. He knows that if it hadn't been for Long, he might not have qualified for the finals.

The next day, Owens and Long compete against each other in the finals of the long jump event. Owens jumps a distance of 26 feet 5-3/8 inches on his first attempt and takes the lead. Long jumps a distance of 25 feet 3-1/2 inches on his first attempt and is in second place. On his second attempt, Owens jumps a distance of 26 feet 6-3/4 inches and breaks the Olympic record. Long jumps a distance of 25 feet 4-3/4 inches on his second attempt and remains in second place. On his third and final attempt, Owens jumps a distance of 26 feet 7-1/2 inches and wins the gold medal. Long jumps a distance of 25 feet 5-3/4 inches on his third and final attempt and wins the silver medal.

After the event, Owens and Long embrace and congratulate each other. Owens is grateful to Long for his friendship and support, and Long is proud of Owens for his achievement. The story ends with Owens reflecting on the value of sportsmanship and friendship, and on his greatest Olympic prize: the bond of friendship he developed with Long. Despite the tensions and divisions of the time, Owens and Long were able to come together and support each other as athletes and as human beings. The story celebrates Owens' achievement and the power of determination and perseverance in the face of adversity, and suggests that friendship and mutual support can transcend national and racial differences.

Analysis:

"My Greatest Olympic Prize" is a story about perseverance, determination, and sportsmanship. It tells the tale of Jesse Owens, a black athlete competing in the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, which were held amid intense nationalism and racial tensions. Despite facing discrimination and hostility, Owens remains determined to succeed and achieves his goal of winning a gold medal in the long jump event. The story also highlights the importance of sportsmanship and friendship, as Owens develops a bond with his German competitor, Luz Long, and learns the value of supporting and encouraging his fellow athletes. Overall, the story celebrates the power of perseverance and determination, and the value of sportsmanship and friendship.

Conclusion:

In "My Greatest Olympic Prize," Jesse Owens demonstrates the power of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. Despite facing discrimination and hostility as a black athlete at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, Owens remains focused and determined to succeed, and ultimately achieves his goal of winning a gold medal in the long jump event. The story also highlights the value of sportsmanship and friendship, as Owens develops a bond with his German competitor, Luz Long, and learns the value of supporting and encouraging his fellow athletes. The themes of perseverance and sportsmanship depicted in the story are timeless and universal, and the story celebrates the power of friendship and perseverance.