Births on April 27

Luz Long, German long jumper and soldier (d. 1943)

Carl Ludwig "Luz" Long, born on 27 April 1913, was a prominent German Olympic long jumper whose life, though tragically cut short on 14 July 1943, left an enduring legacy of sportsmanship and courage. He is most famously remembered for his extraordinary display of camaraderie at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, where he not only secured a silver medal in the long jump but also offered crucial technical advice to his competitor, the American athlete Jesse Owens, who subsequently won the gold medal in the event. Beyond this iconic moment, Long was a formidable force in German athletics, consistently demonstrating his prowess by winning the German long jump championship an impressive six times across the years 1933, 1934, 1936, 1937, 1938, and 1939.

The Defining Moment: Berlin 1936 Olympics

The 1936 Summer Olympics, held in the heart of Nazi Germany, were meticulously orchestrated by Adolf Hitler's regime to serve as a grand propaganda spectacle, intended to showcase the supposed superiority of the "Aryan race." Against this politically charged backdrop, the performances of athletes like Jesse Owens, an African American track and field star from the United States, posed a direct challenge to the Nazi ideology. Owens, who would go on to win an astounding four gold medals at these Games, initially struggled in the long jump qualification rounds. After fouling on his first two attempts, putting him at risk of early elimination, he found himself in a precarious position.

It was at this critical juncture that Luz Long, a blond, blue-eyed German athlete who perfectly embodied the physical ideal promoted by Nazi propaganda, approached Owens. Instead of viewing Owens purely as a rival, Long, observing Owens's struggles, offered a simple yet profound piece of advice: to adjust his takeoff mark slightly before the foul line to ensure a valid jump. This act of genuine sportsmanship, transcending nationalistic and racial divides, allowed Owens to successfully qualify for the final. The following day, Owens secured the gold medal with a record-breaking jump, while Long earned the silver. Their immediate embrace on the field, a powerful symbol of friendship and mutual respect, was captured by cameras and broadcast globally, delivering a poignant counter-message to the hateful rhetoric of the Nazi regime. Owens himself later recounted Long's integrity, stating that "It took a lot of courage for him to befriend me in front of Hitler... 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."

An Accomplished Athlete

Before and after his celebrated Olympic moment, Luz Long consistently demonstrated his exceptional athletic talent. His dominance in German long jump was undeniable, as evidenced by his six national championship titles. These victories cemented his status as one of Germany's premier track and field athletes during a tumultuous period, highlighting his consistent performance and dedication to his sport.

A Life Cut Short by War

Tragically, Luz Long's promising life and athletic career were cut short by the onset of World War II. He was conscripted into the German Army and served as an Oberfeldwebel (staff sergeant). During the Allied invasion of Sicily, known as Operation Husky, Long was severely wounded in action. He succumbed to his injuries on 14 July 1943, near San Pietro Clarenza, Sicily, at the age of 30. His death underscored the devastating human cost of the war, claiming the life of an athlete who had once stood for peace and sportsmanship on the world stage.

Lasting Legacy

Luz Long's legacy extends far beyond his athletic achievements. He is remembered primarily for his exemplary sportsmanship and moral courage at a time when such values were desperately needed. His friendship with Jesse Owens, born out of a shared passion for athletics and a deep respect for fellow competitors, stands as a timeless testament to the human spirit's ability to transcend political ideologies and racial prejudices. It remains one of the most heartwarming and inspiring stories in Olympic history, a beacon of humanity that continues to resonate decades later.

Frequently Asked Questions About Luz Long

Who was Carl Ludwig "Luz" Long?

Luz Long was a German Olympic long jumper, born in 1913, renowned for his athletic prowess and, more significantly, for his extraordinary act of sportsmanship at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. He tragically died in action during World War II in 1943.

What happened between Luz Long and Jesse Owens at the 1936 Berlin Olympics?

During the long jump qualification at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, American athlete Jesse Owens struggled, fouling on his first two attempts. Luz Long, his German competitor, offered him friendly technical advice to adjust his takeoff point, which allowed Owens to qualify for the final. Owens went on to win the gold medal, and Long won the silver, with both men publicly celebrating their mutual respect and friendship, challenging the Nazi regime's racial ideologies.

Did Luz Long and Jesse Owens remain friends?

Yes, their bond formed at the Olympics evolved into a lasting friendship. They corresponded regularly, and Owens often spoke of Long with great admiration, particularly regarding his courage and integrity in defying Nazi racial doctrine. Long even sent Owens a letter from the front lines of World War II, expressing his longing for peace and requesting that Owens tell his son about their friendship.

How did Luz Long die?

Luz Long was killed while serving as an Oberfeldwebel (staff sergeant) in the German Army during World War II. He was severely wounded during the Allied invasion of Sicily (Operation Husky) and died of his injuries on 14 July 1943, at the age of 30.

What is Luz Long's lasting legacy?

Luz Long's legacy is primarily defined by his profound act of sportsmanship and moral courage at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. His friendship with Jesse Owens transcended the hateful ideologies of the Nazi era and continues to serve as an enduring symbol of humanity, respect, and the Olympic spirit, inspiring generations to value fair play and camaraderie over prejudice.