Summary: My Greatest Olympic Prize | English Class 10 ICSE PDF Download

About the Author

Jesse Owens (1913–1980), born James Cleveland Owens in Oakville, Alabama, was an African-American track and field athlete and one of the most celebrated Olympians in history. Raised in poverty, Owens rose to fame at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where he won four gold medals in the 100 meters, 200 meters, 4x100-meter relay, and long jump, challenging Adolf Hitler’s propaganda of Aryan supremacy. His athletic achievements and resilience against racial discrimination made him a global icon. Owens later wrote about his experiences in works like My Greatest Olympic Prize (1960), an autobiographical essay reflecting on his friendship with German athlete Luz Long during the Olympics. Known for his humility and grace, Owens used his platform to advocate for equality, leaving a lasting legacy in sports and social justice.

Summary

My Greatest Olympic Prize by Jesse Owens is an autobiographical essay that recounts a significant moment during the 1936 Berlin Olympics, emphasizing the power of friendship over competition. Set against the backdrop of Nazi Germany’s racial propaganda, the essay focuses on Owens’ struggle in the long jump event, where he faced pressure from both the competition and the hostile political environment. German athlete Luz Long, a competitor, offers Owens crucial advice and encouragement, helping him qualify for the finals. Despite being rivals, Long’s sportsmanship and genuine friendship transcend racial and national divides, culminating in Long’s heartfelt congratulations after Owens wins the gold. Owens considers this friendship his greatest Olympic prize, valuing it above his medals. Written in prose, the essay’s emotional depth and historical context make it a compelling text for Class 10 ICSE students.

Passage-wise Explanation with Lines

As a prose essay, My Greatest Olympic Prize does not have stanzas but can be divided into key passages based on narrative progression. The following passages are based on the standard ICSE text, with quoted lines from Owens’ essay as it appears in Treasure Trove: A Collection of ICSE Short Stories and Essays.

Passage 1

Lines:

It was the summer of 1936. The Olympic Games were being held in Berlin. Because Adolf Hitler childishly insisted that his performers were members of a “master race,” nationalistic feelings were at an all-time high… I was in for a surprise. When I passed the Chancellor he arose, waved his hand at me, and I waved back at him.

Explanation: The essay opens by setting the historical context of the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where Nazi Germany’s propaganda promoted Aryan supremacy under Adolf Hitler. The phrase “master race” highlights the racial ideology that created a tense, nationalistic atmosphere. Owens, an African-American athlete, introduces his personal perspective, noting his surprise at Hitler’s gesture of acknowledgment, which contrasts with the discriminatory environment. This passage establishes the political backdrop and Owens’ initial experience in Berlin, foreshadowing the challenges he will face and the theme of transcending prejudice through human connection.

Passage 2

Lines:

I wasn’t too worried about all this. I’d trained, sweated and disciplined myself for six years… But when I walked into the stadium for the broad jump… I was nervous… The qualifying distance was only 23 feet, 5½ inches, a distance I’d bettered many times… But I fouled on my first attempt… And I fouled again on my second. One more foul and I’d be out.

Explanation: Owens shifts focus to his personal challenge in the long jump event (referred to as the broad jump). Despite his rigorous preparation, the high-pressure environment of the Olympic stadium makes him nervous. The qualifying distance is well within his capability, but he fouls twice, risking elimination. The repetition of “fouled” underscores his mounting anxiety and the critical stakes. This passage highlights the theme of overcoming adversity, showing Owens’ vulnerability as an athlete under pressure and setting the stage for Luz Long’s intervention.

Passage 3

Lines:

Suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to look into the friendly blue eyes of the tall German athlete… “I’m Luz Long,” he said… “You should be able to qualify with your eyes closed.”… He suggested I draw a line a few inches in back of the board and aim at making my take-off from there… I took his advice and qualified with almost a foot to spare.

Explanation: At his lowest moment, Owens is approached by Luz Long, a German competitor with “friendly blue eyes,” who offers encouragement and practical advice. Long’s suggestion to adjust his takeoff point helps Owens qualify easily, demonstrating sportsmanship and kindness. The contrast between Long’s warmth and the hostile Nazi environment underscores the theme of friendship transcending racial and national divides. This passage is pivotal, showcasing Long’s selflessness and the beginning of their bond, which helps Owens regain confidence and advance in the competition.

Passage 4

Lines:

That night I walked over to Luz Long’s room in the Olympic village… We talked for two hours—about track and field, about ourselves, our hopes… The next day I won the broad jump… Luz was the first to congratulate me… You could see in his eyes that he was overjoyed for me… That friendship meant more to me than any of the four gold medals I won in Berlin.

Explanation: After qualifying, Owens visits Long’s room, where they form a deep connection, discussing life beyond athletics. The following day, Owens wins the long jump gold, and Long’s genuine joy and immediate congratulations solidify their friendship. The phrase “overjoyed for me” reflects Long’s authentic sportsmanship, prioritizing camaraderie over rivalry. Owens declares this friendship his “greatest Olympic prize,” valuing it above his medals. This passage concludes the essay with an emotional climax, reinforcing the themes of human connection and the enduring impact of kindness in a divisive world.

Themes

1. Friendship Over Competition: Luz Long’s support and genuine friendship with Owens highlight the power of human connection over rivalry, transcending racial and national barriers.
2. Sportsmanship: Long’s selfless advice and heartfelt congratulations exemplify true sportsmanship, prioritizing respect and camaraderie.
3. Overcoming Adversity: Owens’ struggle to qualify under pressure, aided by Long’s help, underscores resilience in the face of personal and societal challenges.
4. Racial Equality: Set against Nazi propaganda, the friendship between an African-American and a German athlete challenges racial prejudice, promoting unity.
5. Humanity in Conflict: The essay shows how individual acts of kindness can shine through even in politically charged environments.

Important Word Meanings

• Master race: Nazi ideology claiming Aryan superiority, creating a hostile environment.
• Nationalistic feelings: Intense pride in one’s country, heightened in Berlin.
• Broad jump: The long jump event in track and field, referred to by its older name.
• Fouled: Committed an error by overstepping the takeoff board, risking disqualification.
• Qualifying distance: The minimum distance required to advance to the finals.
• Take-off: The point where an athlete jumps from in the long jump.
• Olympic village: The residential area for athletes during the Olympics.
• Overjoyed: Extremely happy, describing Long’s reaction to Owens’ victory.

Conclusion

My Greatest Olympic Prize by Jesse Owens is a moving autobiographical essay that celebrates the transformative power of friendship and sportsmanship in the face of adversity. Set during the politically charged 1936 Berlin Olympics, Owens’ account of his bond with Luz Long transcends racial and national divides, offering a powerful message of unity and humanity. The essay’s vivid narrative, emotional depth, and historical significance make it an inspiring text for Class 10 ICSE students, encouraging reflection on resilience, equality, and the value of human connection. Owens’ emphasis on Long’s kindness as his greatest prize underscores the enduring impact of compassion, leaving readers with a timeless lesson in overcoming prejudice through empathy and respect.