Luz Long

Carl Ludwig "Luz" Long (27 April 1913 – 14 July 1943) was a German Olympic long jumper, best known for winning the silver medal at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin and for his sportsmanship in helping American athlete Jesse Owens qualify for the final.

Born in Hamburg, Germany, Long was a law student who also excelled in athletics. He joined the Nazi Party in 1933. At the 1936 Olympics, Long befriended Jesse Owens, an African-American athlete who was facing pressure due to the Nazi ideology of racial superiority. During the long jump qualifying round, Owens fouled on his first two attempts. Long, witnessing Owens' distress, reportedly advised him to place his takeoff mark further back, ensuring a successful jump.

Owens heeded Long's advice and qualified for the final. In the final, Owens won the gold medal, with Long securing the silver. Long was the first to congratulate Owens, and the two athletes were photographed walking arm-in-arm around the stadium, a gesture that defied the Nazi regime's propaganda.

Long's friendship with Owens was widely publicized, and his act of sportsmanship became a symbol of human connection transcending political ideology. He was later criticized by the Nazi regime for his actions.

During World War II, Long served in the German Wehrmacht. He was killed in action in Sicily on July 14, 1943.

The story of Luz Long and Jesse Owens has been featured in numerous books, documentaries, and films, highlighting the power of friendship and sportsmanship in the face of adversity. The Luz Long Award is given annually to athletes who demonstrate similar acts of fair play and sportsmanship.