My Greatest Olympic Prize – Summary & Analysis

The story-line / Plot Summary

“My Greatest Olympic Prize” is a true story of the writer’s life – an autobiographical account of Jesse Owens’ experience of true friendship in the Berlin Olympics 1936 where he won four gold medals.

The Chancellor of Germany, Adolf Hitler, was preparing with his performers to prove the superiority of the Aryans by winning the most gold medals in the events.

But Jesse Owens, a black American athlete, had other plans in his mind. He was determined to prove Hitler’s theory wrong by taking home one or two of those gold medals. And with that goal in mind, he had trained hard and disciplined himself for six years. Moreover, a year before the grand event, Jesse set a world record of 26 feet 8-1/4 inches in running board jump at his university. So, everyone expected him to win that Olympic event easily.

But when Jesse reached Berlin and went to the board jump trials, he was surprised to see that a German athlete named Luz Long was hitting almost 26 feet at the practice leaps. He also came to know that Hitler had kept him under wraps, hoping to win the jump with him. Knowing Hitler’s cunning ways, Jesse got angry and more determined to win the board jump and to prove who was superior and who was not.

But an angry athlete always makes mistakes. Jesse fouled in the first two trial leaps by taking off from several inches beyond the line. Then he thought bitterly “Did I come 3000 miles for this? To foul out of the trials and make a fool of myself?”

Jesse was clearly frustrated and kicked the ground in disgust. Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder. The man was none other than his German rival in the board jump Luz Long who had qualified for the finals on his first attempt. The friendly blue-eyed man offered Jesse a firm handshake. Then Luz encouraged him and suggested to leap from a few inches back of the board. His tip helped Jesse eventually qualify for the finals.

In that night Jesse met Luz to thank him and talked about themselves, sport events and the world situation among other things. Jesse came to know that Luz did not believe in the Aryan-supremacy theory. They became good friends after that conversation and Luz really wanted Jesse to do his best – even if that meant Jesse’s winning.

The next day Luz broke his own past record and that inspired Jesse for a peak performance. When finally he landed from his final jump, Luz was the first man there to congratulate him. He shook hands with Jesse firmly, despite the fact that Hitler was watching them from the stands. This was a great display of true friendship and sportsman spirit from Luz.

Jesse Owens went on to win four gold medals that year. But he feels that Luz Long’s friendship was the greatest Olympic prize which he won in Berlin. In fact, their friendship ended only when Long died in World War II.

Owens adds a note after his story that Luz was the perfect example of the sportsman spirit that Pierre de Coubertin, founder of modern Olympic Games, had in mind when he said that taking part and fighting well is more important than winning or conquering.

Publication

"My Greatest Olympic Prize" is an autobiographical essay written by the legendary American athlete Jesse Owens. It was originally published in 1960. The story recounts his famous experience at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. It is often found in collections of inspirational stories and is a staple in English literature textbooks, particularly in India (ICSE board).

The essay was written years after the actual events. This gave Owens time to reflect on the true meaning of his victory. While the world remembers him for winning four gold medals and disproving Adolf Hitler’s theories, Owens wrote this piece to highlight something else. He wanted to share the story of a friendship that meant more to him than any medal.

Published during the height of the Cold War and the American Civil Rights Movement, the story served as a powerful reminder of unity. It showed that sports could bridge the gap between enemies. It remains a timeless piece of writing that teaches readers about character, humility, and the true spirit of competition.

Context

The story is set against the tense political backdrop of 1936. The Olympic Games were hosted in Berlin, Germany. At this time, Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party were in power. They used the Olympics as a propaganda tool to show the world that the "Aryan" race (tall, blue-eyed, blond Germans) was superior to all other races. Hitler wanted to prove that Negroes (Black people) and Jews were inferior.

Jesse Owens was an African-American athlete. His presence at the games was a direct challenge to Hitler’s ideology. Nationalistic feelings were at an all-time high. The atmosphere was filled with hate and pressure. Everyone was watching to see if the "master race" theory would hold up against the talent of a Black man.

In this context, an athlete was not just competing for himself; he was competing for his race and his country. Owens felt angry about the racism he faced, both in Germany and back home in America. This anger fueled his initial mistakes but also made his eventual triumph more significant.

Setting

The main action takes place in the Olympic Stadium in Berlin. It is the summer of 1936. The stadium is packed with thousands of spectators, including Adolf Hitler himself. The crowd is loud and partisan, cheering wildly for the German athletes. This creates a high-pressure environment for Owens.

A specific and important setting within the stadium is the long jump pit. This is where Owens faces his biggest crisis. He fouls twice during the qualifying rounds. The pit represents the place of judgment. It is where he almost fails, but also where he finds salvation through a new friend.

Another brief but crucial setting is Luz Long’s room in the Olympic village. Owens visits Long there at night after the trials. This quiet, private space contrasts with the noisy public stadium. In this room, two enemies become friends. They talk for hours about track and field, art, and the world situation. This shift in setting marks the shift from rivalry to brotherhood.

Title

The title "My Greatest Olympic Prize" is ironic and surprising. Most people would assume that Jesse Owens' greatest prize was his four gold medals. He set world records and became an international hero. However, the title refers to something intangible.

Owens explicitly states that his greatest prize was not made of gold. It was the friendship he formed with the German athlete, Luz Long. He says that you could melt down all his gold medals and cups, and they would not be worth the 24-carat friendship he felt for Long. The title challenges the reader’s definition of success.

By using this title, Owens elevates human connection above athletic glory. A medal is just metal, but friendship is a spiritual reward. The "prize" was the lesson he learned about overcoming hate and anger. The title forces us to realize that the most valuable things in life are often the ones we cannot hold in our hands.

Narrative and Language

The story is told in the first-person perspective ("I"). This makes the narrative very personal and honest. Owens admits his own faults. He tells us he was angry ("hot under the collar") and that his anger led to mistakes. This vulnerability makes him a relatable narrator. We see him not as a perfect superhero, but as a human being who struggles with emotions.

The language is simple, direct, and conversational. Owens uses athletic terminology like "take-off board," "pit," and "fouled," but explains the emotions behind the action clearly. He uses metaphors, such as comparing anger to being "blind." He describes Luz Long vividly, noting his "blue eyes" and "chiselled face," fitting the Aryan stereotype physically but breaking it in spirit.

The narrative structure follows a classic "problem-solution" arc. It starts with the problem (Hitler’s hate and Owens’ anger leading to failure). It moves to the solution (Luz Long’s advice). It ends with the resolution (winning the gold and the friendship). The tone shifts from tense and angry at the beginning to warm and reflective at the end.

My Greatest Olympic Prize – Themes

True Sportsmanship

The main theme is sportsmanship. Luz Long embodies the ideal of the Olympic spirit. Even though he is Owens' main rival, he helps him. He sees that Owens is struggling and gives him a tip to jump from a few inches back. He wants to win, but he wants to win against Owens at his best, not because Owens fouled out. Long believes that "fighting well" is more important than conquering. His actions show that a true sportsman respects excellence in others, regardless of nationality or race.

Friendship Overcoming Prejudice

The story is a powerful testament to friendship crossing boundaries. Owens is Black; Long is a white German representing Nazi Germany. They should be natural enemies. Yet, they form a deep bond. They talk for hours and realize they are just two men who love sports. This theme proves that hate is a political construct, not a natural human instinct. When individuals meet face-to-face, prejudice often disappears. Their handshake in front of Hitler is a quiet but powerful act of rebellion against racism.

Anger as an Obstacle

Owens explores the destructive nature of anger. He admits that he was angry at Hitler’s "master race" theory. He wanted to prove Hitler wrong so badly that he lost his focus. He writes, "An angry athlete is an athlete who makes mistakes." This is a crucial psychological theme. His anger caused him to jump poorly. He only succeeded when he calmed down and listened to reason. The story teaches that emotion must be controlled to achieve peak performance.

My Greatest Olympic Prize – Symbols

Luz Long

Luz Long is a symbol of humanity. He physically represents the "Aryan" ideal with his blonde hair and blue eyes, which makes his actions even more powerful. He defies the stereotype of the arrogant Nazi. He symbolizes the truth that character is more important than race. He acts as a guide or a mentor figure to Owens. His advice saves Owens from failure. Long represents the bridge between divided worlds.

The Handshake

The handshake between Owens and Long is a powerful symbol of equality. After Owens wins the gold, Long shakes his hand right in front of the stadium. This happens under the gaze of Adolf Hitler. The handshake is a public rejection of Nazi ideology. It symbolizes mutual respect. It is a physical demonstration that two men of different races can stand as equals. It is the "24-carat" moment that Owens values more than gold.

The Take-off Board

The take-off board represents the line between success and failure. It is the technical hurdle Owens must overcome. Symbolically, it represents the mental discipline Owens needs to master. Drawing a line "a full foot in back of the board" symbolizes a change in strategy. It shows that sometimes, to succeed, one must step back and relax. It represents the shift from angry aggression to calculated, calm effort.

My Greatest Olympic Prize – Critical Commentary

"My Greatest Olympic Prize" is more than just a sports story; it is a moral fable. Jesse Owens uses his own life to teach a lesson about the definition of winning. Critics often praise the story for its honesty. Owens does not portray himself as perfect. He admits he was failing until a German helped him. This humility makes the story powerful. It shows that no one succeeds entirely alone.

The story also serves as a historical critique. By highlighting Luz Long’s kindness, Owens exposes the absurdity of Hitler’s racism. If the "perfect Aryan" does not believe in Aryan supremacy, then the whole theory falls apart. Long is the hero of the story just as much as Owens is. He risks Hitler’s anger to do what is right. This makes the narrative a subtle but effective attack on fascism.

Finally, the essay references Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympics. Coubertin said, "The important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle." Luz Long is presented as the perfect example of this philosophy. The story asks the reader to rethink the purpose of competition. Is it to crush the opponent, or is it to push each other to greater heights? Owens concludes that the human bond formed during the struggle is the only prize that lasts forever.