Greatest Olympic Prize: Themes and Setting

Greatest Olympic Prize: Themes and Setting

Setting

The events described in the article occurred during the 1936 Berlin Olympics that was held during the height of the Nazi regime. The article describes the interaction between Jesse Owens and Luz Long on the day of the trials for the broad jump event and on the day of the final competition.

Themes:-

Spirit of sportsmanship

The main theme of the article is the real spirit of sportsmanship. From Long's willingness to help Jesse to Jesse's willingness to take his suggestions, we clearly see a true sense of sportsmanship among the athletes, untouched by the toxic environment around them. Despite their mutual admiration, the two athletes never went easy on each other on the field, thereby pushing each other to do their best. Their professional rivalry lasted only as long as their jumps lasted, something clearly seen when Long rushes forward to congratulate Jesse on his victory.

Unlikely friendship

A secondary theme of the article is that of unlikely friendships. Jesse Owens, an African American, would have never imagined that he would find a friend in a white German during the peak of Nazism. But Luz Long's initiative to introduce himself and advise Owens paved the path for their friendship. They bonded not only when they spoke at the trials, but also later that night when Owens stopped by at Long's room to convey gratitude.