Character Sketch of Luz Long in My Greatest Olympic Prize
Introduction
Luz Long was a tall German athlete. He was a talented athlete. He was a rival of Jesse Owens in the 1936 Olympic Games which were held in Berlin, Germany. He was a trump card in the Olympic Meet that year with whom Hitler wanted to prove the racial superiority of Aryans. He was a true embodiment of sportsmanship. He was a good human being. He appreciated the talent. Though he knew that Jesse was his opponent in the competition, he did not hesitate to advise him in qualifying for the trials.
His Physical Traits and His Not Believing in Hitler’s Theory
Luz was an inch taller than Jesse. He had a lean muscular frame. He had clear blue eyes. He had blond hair. His face was chiseled. In addition, he was strikingly handsome. Luz Long, though trained in the Nazi youth school, evidently did not possess the sly characteristics of Nazis.
His Spirit of A True Sportsman and A Man of Golden Heart
Luz Long’s leader, Hitler had brought him to take part in the Olympics to win. Long, though knowing the pressure on him, had not lost the spirit of a true sportsman. He had no inhibitions in offering his rival a very important tip even though it could have meant his failure. He saw his rival as a friend. Not just that, he was a good human being. He helped a person in distress. He had nothing to hide. His intentions were clear. He had come to participate and winning to him was just a matter of effort.
His Having No Ill-will for His Rival
Knowing that Owens was a record holder, he did not try any foul means to win the event. His camaraderie won the heart of Owens. Owens was swept off his feet at this magnificent Nazi’s pure heart and let to a friendship beyond all material richness of the game. Long nurtured no jealousy at his failure. He genuinely congratulated Owens. He remained unbothered about having to face the wrath of his leader, for losing. Long broke the hope of his leader and his nation but helped an able world record holder to set yet another record which he rightfully deserved.
His Belief in Coubertin’s words
Coubertin had declared that taking part in Olympics was more important than winning. Luz Long, being a true sportsman and an amazing human being, helped his fellow sportsman to qualify in his jump that made him win. This shows that Long believed in participating rather than winning. His rival’s winning did not make him jealous. On the contrary, he congratulated him with all his heart. This clearly exemplifies that Long believed in Coubertin’s words and passed the thought to Owens.
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