The Lawyer’s Well-Being Brief. . .The Power of Respect: Jesse Owens and the Long Jump Rivalry That Became a Friendship

“When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others.”-Peace Pilgrim

Welcome (back) to the Lawyer’s Well-Being Brief! Each week, I share insights and practical strategies to help us cultivate well-being and thrive — both personally and professionally. Live well! Lawyer well!

This week we are looking at the 1936 Summer Olympics, Jesse Owens, and Luz Long.

In the summer of 1936, the world gathered in Berlin for the Olympic Games — a global stage overshadowed by Adolf Hitler’s attempts to showcase Nazi Germany’s ideology of Aryan supremacy. Against this tense political backdrop, one of the most powerful stories in Olympic history unfolded — not through conflict, but through an act of sportsmanship that transcended race, nationality, and politics.

At the center of this story was Jesse Owens, the legendary American track and field athlete. Known for his explosive speed and incredible jumping ability, Owens had already made waves by winning the 100-meter dash. But it was during the long jump competition that an unexpected rival — and friend — emerged: Luz Long, Germany’s premier long jumper.

A Rough Start

Owens was expected to dominate the long jump. Earlier that year, he had broken records and was considered a clear favorite. But in the qualifying round, nerves got the best of him. After two failed attempts at a legal jump, Owens had just one more try to secure a spot in the finals. One foul, and he’d be eliminated.

It was in this high-pressure moment that Luz Long did something remarkable. Rather than staying distant as competitors often do, he approached Owens, offered a friendly smile, and gave him a simple but smart piece of advice: instead of pushing for maximum distance in the qualifier, Owens should mark his run-up a few inches short to ensure a legal jump. Owens listened — and on his final attempt, he safely qualified.

Rivals in the Sand, Equals in Spirit

In the final, both athletes delivered exceptional performances. Long broke his own personal record with a massive jump, setting a high standard. Owens responded with grace under pressure, ultimately soaring to 8.06 meters (26 feet, 5 1⁄2 inches) — winning the gold medal. Long took silver.

What stands out most, however, wasn’t just their performances — it was what happened next. As the German crowd watched, Luz Long was the first to walk over and congratulate Owens. He shook his hand and raised it high for everyone to see, a gesture of genuine respect and camaraderie. In a stadium filled with propaganda, this moment quietly but powerfully shattered the myth of racial hierarchy.

A Friendship Beyond the Games

After the Olympics, Owens often said that Luz Long was the real hero of that day. Their friendship continued through letters until Long was killed during World War II. In his final letter to Owens, Long asked that Owens someday visit Germany and meet his son — a request Owens honored years later.

The Legacy of Sportsmanship

The story of Jesse Owens and Luz Long goes beyond medals and records. It’s about the human capacity for connection, even in the most divisive times. Their rivalry turned into a symbol of respect and integrity that continues to inspire athletes and fans alike.

In Owens’ own words:

“You can melt down all the medals and cups I have, and they wouldn’t be a plating on the 24-karat friendship I felt for Luz Long at that moment.”

Their story reminds us that true greatness isn’t just about winning — it’s about how we uplift others along the way.

Final Thought

Today we find ourselves in a world often defined by competition and division. The story of Jesse Owens and Luz Long reminds us that character and courage shine brightest when we choose respect over rivalry. True greatness is not just measured by what we achieve, but by how we honor others along the way. Their friendship remains a timeless example of how sports — and life — can bring people together across even the deepest divides.

Forward Always!