1936 Olympic Games Luz Long

autograph signed after olympic medal win

the 21-year-old, 1.84 m tall long had finished third in 1934 european championships in athletics 7.25 m. summer of 1936, long held european record in long jump , eager compete first time against jesse owens, american world-record holder. long jump on august 4 long s first event against owens, , long met expectations setting olympic record during preliminary round. in contrast, owens fouled on first 2 jumps. knowing needed reach @ least 7.15 m (about 23 feet 3 inches) on third jump in order advance finals in afternoon, owens sat on field, dejected.

speaking long s son, owens said in 1964 long went him , told him try jump spot several inches behind take-off board. since owens routinely made distances far greater minimum of 7.15 m required advance, long surmised owens able advance safely next round without risking foul trying push greater distance. on third qualifying jump, owens calm , jumped @ least 4 inches (10 centimeters) spare, qualifying finals. in finals competition later day, jumpers exceeded old olympic record 5 times. owens went on win gold medal in long jump 8.06 m while besting long s own record of 7.87 m. long won silver medal second place , first congratulate owens: posed photos , walked arm-in-arm dressing room. owens said, took lot of courage him befriend me in front of hitler... can melt down medals , cups have , wouldn t plating on twenty-four karat friendship felt luz long @ moment . long s competition owens recorded in leni riefenstahl s documentary olympia – fest der völker.

two days later, long finished 10th in triple jump. went on finish third in 1938 european championships in athletics long jump 7.56 m.