My Greatest Olympic Prize
Short Questions with Answers
1. Who was Jesse Owens?
- Jesse Owens was an American track and field athlete.
2. Where and when were the Olympic Games held in this story?
- They were held in Berlin in 1936.
3. What event did Jesse Owens focus on?
- He focused on the long jump.
4. What was Luz Long’s nationality?
- Luz Long was German.
5. What was Hitler’s belief about the “master race”?
- He believed Germans were superior to other races.
6. Why was Jesse Owens angry?
- He was upset about Hitler’s theory of Aryan superiority.
7. Who helped Jesse Owens during the trials?
- Luz Long helped him.
8. What advice did Luz Long give to Jesse Owens?
- He suggested drawing a line behind the take-off board to avoid fouling.
9. What was the outcome of Jesse Owens’ final jump?
- He set an Olympic record of 26 feet 5 5/16 inches.
10. What did Luz Long do after Jesse Owens won?
- Luz congratulated him sincerely.
11. What did Jesse Owens value most from the Olympics?
- He valued his friendship with Luz Long.
12. Who founded the modern Olympic Games?
- Pierre de Coubertin founded them.
13. What did Coubertin say about the Olympics?
- He said participating is more important than winning.
14. Why did Luz Long stand out from others in his country?
- He did not believe in Aryan supremacy.
15. What does Jesse Owens call his greatest Olympic prize?
- His friendship with Luz Long.
Long Questions with Answers
1. Why was Jesse Owens angry at the Berlin Olympics?
- Jesse Owens was angry because Hitler promoted the idea of Aryan superiority. This upset him as it undermined people of other races. He wanted to prove Hitler wrong through his performance.
2. What problem did Jesse Owens face during the trials?
- Owens fouled his first two qualifying jumps because he was angry and unfocused. He was nervous and feared failing after traveling so far. Luz Long helped him calm down and qualify.
3. How did Luz Long help Jesse Owens during the trials?
- Luz Long suggested drawing a line behind the take-off board to avoid fouling. This advice helped Owens qualify for the finals. Luz’s sportsmanship eased Owens’ tension.
4. What made Jesse Owens and Luz Long’s friendship special?
- Their friendship showed true sportsmanship, crossing cultural and political barriers. Luz wanted Owens to do his best, even if it meant losing. This bond became Owens’ greatest prize.
5. What was Jesse Owens’ final achievement in the long jump?
- Jesse Owens set an Olympic record with a jump of 26 feet 5 5/16 inches. Luz Long, despite losing, congratulated him sincerely. This moment highlighted true sportsmanship.
6. What does Coubertin’s quote about the Olympics mean?
- Coubertin emphasized that participation and effort are more important than winning. The true essence of sports is fighting well and showing fairness. Jesse Owens experienced this with Luz Long.
7. How did Luz Long show sportsmanship during the finals?
- Luz Long pushed himself to break his record and motivated Owens to perform better. Despite losing, he congratulated Owens warmly. He showed that friendship is more important than victory.
8. Why did Jesse Owens visit Luz Long’s room in the Olympic Village?
- Jesse Owens visited Luz to thank him for his support during the trials. They talked about athletics, life, and world issues. This conversation strengthened their friendship.
9. What was Hitler’s reaction to Jesse Owens and Luz Long’s friendship?
- Hitler glared at them from the stands, upset by their bond and Owens’ victory. Their friendship defied his racial beliefs. Luz’s genuine respect for Owens stood in contrast to Nazi ideology.
10. Why does Jesse Owens consider friendship his greatest Olympic prize?
- Owens valued his bond with Luz Long more than his gold medals. Luz’s support and sincerity taught him the true spirit of sportsmanship. This friendship stayed with him forever.
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