Question

Read the following extract from Jesse Owens's short story, ‘My Greatest Olympic Prize’ and answer the question that follows:

I wasn't too worried about all this. I'd trained, sweated and disciplined myself for six years with the Games in mind. While I was going over on the boat, all I could think about was taking home one or two of those gold medals. I had my eye especially on the running broad jump.

1. What does Owens mean by 'all this'? What games does he refer to?   [3]
2. What made Owens confident of winning a gold medal or two?   [3]

3. What was the ‘surprise’ that Hitler had kept hidden from the world?
   How did Owens feel when he came face to face with the ‘surprise’?  [3]

4. Describe Owens’ performance in the broad jump trials.
   What doubts filled his mind at this time?   [3]
5. What makes Luz Long’s behaviour at the ‘Games’ truly remarkable in the context of the times?
   Identify a theme that is common to the short story ‘My Greatest Olympic Prize and the poem ‘Nine Gold Medals’.   [4]

Answer 1

1. In the context of Jesse Owens's quote from "My Greatest Olympic Prize," 'all this' refers to the various pressures, expectations, and perhaps controversies surrounding his participation in the Olympic Games. This could include the intense training, media attention, the political climate of the time (especially the 1936 Berlin Olympics held under Nazi Germany), and the personal challenges of being an African-American athlete representing the United States during a period of significant racial tension and discrimination.
   Jesse Owens refers to the Olympic Games, specifically the 1936 Summer Olympics held in Berlin, Germany. These games are particularly historic due to the political context of Nazi Germany and Owens's remarkable achievements, where he won four gold medals, effectively challenging the racial superiority touted by the Nazi regime.
2. Jesse Owens's confidence in winning one or two gold medals at the Olympic Games, as expressed in his short story "My Greatest Olympic Prize," stemmed from several factors:
   1. Extensive Training: Owens mentions having "trained, sweated and disciplined myself for six years with the Games in mind." This long-term, rigorous preparation honed his athletic skills and built his physical capabilities to peak condition, crucial for excelling in highly competitive events.
   2. Focused Preparation: Owens had a specific focus on the events he was targeting, particularly the running broad jump (long jump). This specialized preparation allowed him to master the techniques and nuances required to excel in this event.
   3. Mental Readiness: His mental preparation and focus are evident in his anticipation and excitement about competing for the gold medals. Being mentally prepared is as important as physical readiness in achieving success in sports.
   4. Previous Achievements: Prior to the Olympics, Owens had already demonstrated his prowess in track and field during his college years, setting records and winning multiple titles, which would naturally build his confidence in his ability to perform at an international level.
      These factors combined made Jesse Owens confident in his ability to achieve his goal of winning gold medals at the Olympics, showcasing not just his physical readiness but also his mental fortitude and dedication to his sport.

3. In Jesse Owens's short story, "My Greatest Olympic Prize," the "surprise" that Hitler had kept hidden from the world was the formidable German athlete Luz Long. Luz Long was not widely known internationally before the 1936 Olympics but was a talented long jumper who was expected to challenge Jesse Owens in the event.

   When Jesse Owens first encountered Luz Long, he likely felt a mix of surprise and admiration, coupled with a competitive spirit. Initially, Owens may have been taken aback by the unexpected challenge posed by such a strong competitor. However, the story famously highlights not just the rivalry but also the emerging friendship and mutual respect between Owens and Long. Long's sportsmanship and guidance, particularly during the qualifications where he advised Owens on how to adjust his approach to avoid fouling, left a profound impact on Owens. This interaction transformed his initial feelings of competition into a deep respect and camaraderie, which Owens cherished as his greatest Olympic prize, even more so than the medals he won. This relationship also symbolized a powerful and enduring message against the racial and ideological propaganda of the Nazi regime at the time.

4. In Jesse Owens's short story "My Greatest Olympic Prize," he describes his performance during the broad jump (long jump) trials at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Despite being a strong favorite, Owens encountered difficulties during the qualifying rounds:
   1. Fouls: Owens fouled on his first two attempts in the qualifying round. The rules allowed each jumper three attempts to reach a qualifying distance, and failing to meet this requirement would disqualify them from the final competition.
   2. Doubts and Pressure: These initial fouls filled Owens's mind with doubts and pressure. He was at risk of not qualifying for the finals, a shocking prospect for a top contender expected to win gold. The pressure was immense, not just because of his personal and national expectations but also due to the politically charged atmosphere of the Berlin Games.
      During this stressful time, Luz Long, the German athlete and Owens's main rival, provided unexpected support. Long suggested that Owens adjust his approach by taking off well before the foul line to ensure a valid jump. This advice proved crucial, helping Owens qualify for the final, where he ultimately won the gold medal. Owens's story emphasizes not only the athletic challenge but also the personal interactions that profoundly impacted his Olympic experience, particularly his friendship with Long amidst the intense competition.
5. Luz Long's behavior during the 1936 Berlin Olympics is truly remarkable given the historical and political context:
   1. Political and Racial Tensions: The 1936 Olympics were held in Nazi Germany, a regime that promoted racial superiority and anti-Semitic policies. Jesse Owens, as an African-American, was not the favored athlete in the eyes of the Nazi propaganda machine, which used the Games to showcase Aryan supremacy.
   2. Sportsmanship and Humanity: Despite the prevailing racial ideologies promoted by his country's leadership, Luz Long, a German athlete, displayed exceptional sportsmanship and camaraderie. He openly befriended Owens, providing him with critical advice during the long jump trials, which helped Owens avoid disqualification after two fouls. This act of kindness and bravery was against the backdrop of a hostile environment, making it a profound gesture of humanity and defiance against the discriminatory policies of the time.
   3. Public Acknowledgment: Long's behavior was not only supportive but also public. He congratulated Owens openly after his jumps, and they took a victory lap together, which was a significant display of unity and respect across racial lines during a period of intense racial discrimination.
      
      Common Theme with ‘Nine Gold Medals’: A theme common to Jesse Owens's "My Greatest Olympic Prize" and the poem "Nine Gold Medals" by David Roth is the theme of sportsmanship and the unifying power of sports. Both works highlight how, despite competitive settings, athletes can exhibit profound kindness and solidarity. In "Nine Gold Medals," the athletes assist a fellow competitor who falls during the race, demonstrating that empathy and unity can transcend the desire for personal achievement. Similarly, in Owens's story, Luz Long's actions exemplify how sports can bring individuals together, transcending societal barriers and prejudices to celebrate common humanity and shared values. These narratives promote the idea that true victory in sports lies not in the medals won but in the friendships forged and the dignity upheld.