My Greatest Olympic Prize - Questions & Answers
Understanding the Text
A. Complete these sentences. 1. Owens calls Hitler’s belief in ‘master race’ childish because...Owens calls Hitler’s belief in ‘master race’ childish because Adolf Hitler childishly insisted that his performers were members of a ‘master race’ based on nationalistic feelings rather than reality.
2. Everyone expected Owens to win the broad jump because...
Everyone expected Owens to win the broad jump because a year before, as a sophomore at Ohio State University, he had set the world’s record of 26 feet 8-1/4 inches.
3. Owens fouled in the first two attempts at the trials because he leaped...
Owens fouled in the first two attempts at the trials because he leaped from several inches beyond the take-off board.
4. Long advised Owens to...
Long advised Owens to draw a line a few inches in back of the board and aim at making his take-off from there.
5. When Owens landed from his final jump, Long was...
When Owens landed from his final jump, Long was at his side, congratulating him.
6. Hitler opened the Olympic Games to all because...
Hitler opened the Olympic Games to all because he was forced to do so after many nations threatened to pull out of the Games due to his ‘Aryan-only’ stance.
Activity 2
Luz Long’s kindness to Jesse Owens seems exceptional if you consider:
1. the ‘Aryan-supremacy’ belief
2. the stage of global competition and years of training
Imagine yourself in Long’s shoes. In what way does he go out of his way to help Owens? Discuss Luz Long’s actions in these two contexts with your partner.
(Discussion Point) Luz Long goes out of his way by defying his country's leader, Hitler, who wanted to prove the "Master Race" theory. Despite being the hope of Germany, Long offered technical advice to his direct rival, Jesse Owens, ensuring Owens qualified for the finals. He prioritized sportsmanship and friendship over political ideology and personal victory.
B. Read these lines from the text and choose the correct answers. 1. ... nationalistic feelings were at an all-time high. What does this sentence tell us? (para 1)
a. Each nation wanted to prove they were the ‘master race’.
b. Many nations wanted to prove Hitler wrong.
c. Jesse Owens and other American athletes wanted to prove their superiority.
Answer: a. Each nation wanted to prove they were the ‘master race’. (Specifically referring to the German sentiment in the text).
2. Hitler had kept him under wraps, evidently hoping to win the jump with him. What did Hitler hope to prove with Luz Long? (para 3)
a. Germans were superior to any other race.
b. Only Aryans should be allowed in competitive sports.
c. It would bring Hitler international support.
Answer: a. Germans were superior to any other race.
3. That night I walked over to Luz Long’s room in the Olympic village to thank him. What does this tell us about Owens? (para 16)
a. Owens wanted to discuss his performance.
b. Owens wanted advice for the finals.
c. Owens felt he had found a real friend in Long.
Answer: c. Owens felt he had found a real friend in Long.
4. Long wrote in a letter before he died, “Someday find my son ... tell him about how things can be between men on this Earth.” He wanted his son to know—
a. how he and Owens became friends.
b. that human beings of all races can live together peacefully.
c. that wars were unnecessary and destructive.
Answer: b. that human beings of all races can live together peacefully.
Appreciating the Text
1. You can melt down all the gold medals and cups I have, and they couldn’t be a plating on the 24-carat friendship I felt for Luz Long at that moment. Explain this metaphor in your own words.This metaphor compares the value of physical awards to the value of friendship. Gold medals are precious, but they are material objects. "24-carat" represents the highest purity of gold. Owens means that the bond of friendship he formed with Luz Long was so pure, genuine, and valuable that even all his gold medals combined could not equal its worth. The friendship was the true prize.
2. Courage is not only found on a battlefield. There are many forms of courage. Luz Long was a courageous man. Look at these situations and say how he displayed courage.
a. “Why don’t you draw a line a few inches in back of the board and aim at making your take-off from there?”
Luz Long displayed courage here by helping his strongest rival. He put sportsmanship above the intense pressure to win for Nazi Germany, risking the disapproval of his own team and leaders.
b. Despite the fact that Hitler glared at us from the stands not a hundred yards away, Luz shook my hand hard.
This shows immense moral courage. Long openly defied Hitler’s racist ideology of Aryan supremacy in front of Hitler himself and the entire stadium. He treated a black man as an equal and a friend, ignoring the potential danger to himself from the Nazi regime.
3. ‘My Greatest Olympic Prize’ is an autobiographical or a first-person account by Jesse Owens. Imagine if this story had been narrated by someone else. How would it affect:
a. the reality of the story
b. the vividness of the emotions and thoughts
c. the value of the text for the reader
If narrated by someone else, the story might feel less personal. We wouldn't experience Owens' internal anger ("hot under the collar") or his self-doubt directly. The emotional connection to the "24-carat friendship" would be weaker because we would be hearing about it second-hand rather than from the person who felt it. The text is more valuable as a first-person account because it serves as a genuine testimony to the events.
Grammar and Usage
A. In these pairs of sentences, one has an adverb phrase and the other an adverb clause. Underline the phrase or the clause and write AP for adverb phrase and AC for adverb clause. Say which kind of adverb clause it is. 1. a. There is a large tree at the end of this road.There is a large tree at the end of this road. (AP)
b. There is a large tree where this road meets the railway track.
There is a large tree where this road meets the railway track. (AC of place)
2. a. He will join us only after his work gets done.
He will join us only after his work gets done. (AC of time)
b. He will join us at the last minute.
He will join us at the last minute. (AP)
3. a. She travelled with us despite her health.
She travelled with us despite her health. (AP)
b. She travelled with us although she was not feeling well.
She travelled with us although she was not feeling well. (AC of concession)
4. a. He would always talk as if everyone else in the room were deaf.
He would always talk as if everyone else in the room were deaf. (AC of manner)
b. He would always talk at such high volume.
He would always talk at such high volume. (AP)
5. a. To make the most of it, I decided to go to the beach.
To make the most of it, I decided to go to the beach. (AP)
b. I went to the beach since I wanted to make the most of it.
I went to the beach since I wanted to make the most of it. (AC of reason)
6. a. You can buy this game if you save up more money.
You can buy this game if you save up more money. (AC of condition)
b. With more money, you can buy this game.
With more money, you can buy this game. (AP)
B. Join the main clauses in A with the if clauses in B.
1. The dress might have been perfect (c) if it hadn't been so expensive.
2. Tejas would have asked the doctor many more questions (d) if he had seen him before the surgery.
3. She would have stopped talking to you (a) if you had not attended the meeting.
4. They could have enjoyed their holiday a lot more (b) if they had stayed longer and seen the places around.
5. I wouldn't have been here today (f) if I hadn't received such a warm invitation from you!
6. The child might have enjoyed the show (e) if he had eaten a snack before it began.
C. Make conditional sentences as suggested. 1. He fell ill just before the examination. So, his grades were not good. (type 3)
If he had not fallen ill just before the examination, his grades would have been good. 2. The farmers want to start sowing. Will it rain soon? (type 1)
If it rains soon, the farmers will start sowing. 3. Is it possible they will reduce the price? Then we are likely to buy the car. (type 2)
If they reduced the price, we would buy the car. 4. You should wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. You will stay safe. (type 1)
If you wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, you will stay safe. 5. I would love to visit this library every day. But I don't live in this area. (type 2)
If I lived in this area, I would visit this library every day. 6. She brought lunch for all of us. Or else, we wouldn't have eaten. (type 3)
If she had not brought lunch for all of us, we wouldn't have eaten.
D. Grammar Fun
Pair up with your partner and discuss what you would do in these situations:
1. If I grew wings, I ...
If I grew wings, I would fly to school every day.
2. If dinosaurs came back, ...
If dinosaurs came back, humans would have to live in fortified cities.
3. If my dream had come true, ...
If my dream had come true, I would have become a famous musician.
Words in Use
A. Complete these sentences using these idioms from the story, changing the tense where needed.[ have your eye on something | hands down | under wraps | hot under the collar | take pains ] 1. Having made a fool of himself in public, he felt...
Having made a fool of himself in public, he felt hot under the collar. 2. India is expected to win the hockey match...
India is expected to win the hockey match hands down. 3. Scientists...
Scientists take pains to manufacture a vaccine against coronavirus. 4. I will get My Family and Other Animals for my sister’s birthday. She has...
She has had her eye on it for a long time. 5. The surprise party was kept...
The surprise party was kept under wraps.
B. Here are some popular idioms that have had their origins in various games and sports. Pair up with your partner and write down the meaning of each idiom.
- neck and neck: very close or equal in a race or competition.
- in full swing: at the peak of activity; proceeding vigorously.
- clear a hurdle: to overcome an obstacle or difficulty.
- kick off: to start or begin an event.
- call the shots: to make the decisions; to be in charge.
- throw in the towel: to give up; to admit defeat.
Ravindra finally cleared the hurdle and obtained his driver’s licence. 2. The Games began with a traditional dance by over a thousand dancers.
The Games kicked off with a traditional dance by over a thousand dancers. 3. The cricket season was at its peak when we decided to buy tickets.
The cricket season was in full swing when we decided to buy tickets. 4. Halfway through the race, it was difficult to say who would win. The two sprinters had an equal chance.
The two sprinters were neck and neck. 5. If the coach is busy, the captain will take the decisions.
If the coach is busy, the captain will call the shots. 6. Although I had been practising very hard, I finally stopped trying when I realised that I could not join the school team.
Although I had been practising very hard, I finally threw in the towel when I realised that I could not join the school team.
Punctuation
Insert a dash in each sentence where necessary. 1. No one was going to forget Jesse Owens the black American who won four gold medals.No one was going to forget Jesse Owens—the black American who won four gold medals. 2. His coach was wrong the German people were fascinated by Owens.
His coach was wrong—the German people were fascinated by Owens. 3. Bats are not birds they are mammals.
Bats are not birds—they are mammals. 4. He smiled again a cold, hard smile.
He smiled again—a cold, hard smile. 5. They could never forget him he had helped them in their time of need.
They could never forget him—he had helped them in their time of need. 6. He said that he would do it and he did!
He said that he would do it—and he did!
Speech Practice
Pair up with your partner and think of what you might say in these situations. 1. You visited an exhibition of paintings done by your friend’s mother. You would like to convey your appreciation to her.(Formal) "I thoroughly enjoyed looking at your paintings. They are truly beautiful." 2. You have been away on an excursion and your mother has prepared your favourite dishes to welcome you home.
(Informal) "How thoughtful of you, Mom! I missed your cooking so much!" 3. You are back after representing your school at an athletics meet. Your teacher announces this to the class, appreciating your performance.
(Teacher to Student) "Well done! The whole class is proud of your achievement."
Writing
Write a notice for the school notice board mentioning the details of the event—the date and time, venue, and any other relevant details.NOTICE
ST. XAVIER'S HIGH SCHOOLOctober 15, 2025
INTER-HOUSE SPORTS PROGRAMME
This is to inform all students that the Sports Club of our school is organising an Inter-House Sports Programme for students of classes 6 to 8. The details of the event are as follows:
- Date: October 25, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Venue: School Main Playground
Interested students who wish to participate in track and field events must register their names with their respective House Captains by October 20, 2023.
Rahul Sharma
Secretary, Sports Club
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Quick Review Flashcards - Click to flip and test your knowledge!
Question
Who was the American athlete who won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics?
Answer
James Cleveland "Jesse" Owens.
Question
In what year and city were the Olympic Games held where Jesse Owens competed against Luz Long?
Answer
1936 in Berlin.
Question
What political regime was in control of Germany during the 1936 Olympics?
Answer
The Nazi regime, led by Adolf Hitler.
Question
What was the Nazi theory about the German people, which they hoped to prove at the Olympics?
Answer
The theory of 'Aryan' or 'master race' superiority.
Question
What was the Nazi attitude towards Jewish and black people?
Answer
They were considered subhuman; Jews were blamed for national problems and black people were subjected to abuse and violence.
Question
As a sophomore at Ohio State University, what world record did Jesse Owens set?
Answer
He set the world record for the long jump at 26 feet 8-1/4 inches.
Question
The term for a second-year university student, like Jesse Owens was at the time, is a _____.
Answer
sophomore
Question
In the story, what does the idiom 'hands down' mean?
Answer
Easily; without much competition.
Question
During the broad-jump trials, what surprising thing did Jesse Owens see?
Answer
He saw a tall German athlete named Luz Long hit the pit at almost 26 feet on his practice leaps.
Question
What did Hitler keep 'under wraps', hoping he would win the long jump?
Answer
The German athlete, Luz Long.
Question
What happened on Jesse Owens's first two attempts in the long jump qualifying trials?
Answer
He fouled on both attempts, leaping from several inches beyond the take-off board.
Question
What does the idiom 'hot under the collar' mean?
Answer
To be angry or annoyed.
Question
What German title for 'The Leader' was used to refer to Adolf Hitler in the text?
Answer
Der Fuhrer.
Question
How did Jesse Owens feel after fouling his second jump, causing him to kick disgustedly at the dirt?
Answer
He was angry and disgusted with himself for making a fool of himself.
Question
What did Luz Long mean when he told Jesse Owens, 'Something must be eating you'?
Answer
He meant that something must be bothering or upsetting him.
Question
What key piece of advice did Luz Long give Jesse Owens to help him qualify for the long jump finals?
Answer
He suggested drawing a line a few inches behind the board and aiming to take off from there to avoid fouling.
Question
How did Jesse Owens perform on his third and final qualifying jump after receiving Luz Long's advice?
Answer
He qualified with almost a foot to spare.
Question
Where did Jesse Owens go that night to thank Luz Long?
Answer
He went to Luz Long's room in the Olympic village.
Question
What did Jesse Owens and Luz Long talk about for two hours in the Olympic village?
Answer
They talked about track and field, themselves, the world situation, and a dozen other things.
Question
What was the result of the long jump final the next day?
Answer
Luz Long broke his own past record, but Jesse Owens pushed on to win the gold medal.
Question
How did Luz Long react to Jesse Owens winning the gold medal?
Answer
He was at Owens's side to congratulate him, shook his hand hard, and wasn't faking his happiness.
Question
Jesse Owens stated that the friendship he formed with Luz Long was the _____ of the Olympic spirit.
Answer
epitome
Question
What is the meaning of the word 'epitome'?
Answer
A perfect example of a particular quality or type.
Question
What metaphor did Jesse Owens use to describe his friendship with Luz Long?
Answer
A 24-carat friendship.
Question
What did Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic Games, believe was the most important thing?
Answer
The important thing is not winning but taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well.
Question
According to the text, what was Hitler's reported reaction when asked to be photographed shaking hands with Jesse Owens?
Answer
He was reported to have said, "Do you really think that I will allow myself to be photographed shaking hands with a Negro?"
Question
What did Hitler stop doing after Jesse Owens's first event?
Answer
He stopped meeting athletes altogether, whether they were winners or not.
Question
What was Luz Long's fate after the 1936 Olympics?
Answer
He died in the fighting during World War II.
Question
What message did Luz Long write to Jesse Owens in his last letter?
Answer
"Someday find my son ... tell him about how things can be between men on this Earth."
Question
A phrase that does the work of an adverb and usually includes a prepositional phrase is called an _____.
Answer
adverbial phrase
Question
In the sentence, 'I'd trained, sweated and disciplined myself for six years,' what is the adverbial phrase?
Answer
for six years
Question
A fuller structure with a subject and a verb that does the work of an adverb is called an _____.
Answer
adverbial clause
Question
What kind of adverbial clause is highlighted in the sentence: 'The crowd burst into cheers as soon as he stepped on to the platform'?
Answer
An adverbial clause of time.
Question
What kind of adverbial clause is highlighted in the sentence: 'My mother won't eat tomatoes because she doesn't like them'?
Answer
An adverbial clause of reason.
Question
What kind of adverbial clause is highlighted in the sentence: 'You will not win if you don't learn how to keep calm'?
Answer
An adverbial clause of condition.
Question
What type of 'if' conditional is used for situations that are open and fairly likely to come true?
Answer
Type 1 'if' conditional.
Question
What is the structure of a Type 1 conditional sentence?
Answer
The 'if' clause is in the present tense and the main clause is in the future tense (e.g., If you study, you will pass).
Question
What type of 'if' conditional is used for uncertain conditions or things not likely to happen?
Answer
Type 2 'if' conditional.
Question
What is the structure of a Type 2 conditional sentence?
Answer
The 'if' clause is in the past tense and the main clause uses 'would' + the base form of the verb (e.g., If I had money, I would travel).
Question
What type of 'if' conditional is used to imagine a purely imaginary condition in the past that did not happen?
Answer
Type 3 'if' conditional.
Question
What is the structure of a Type 3 conditional sentence?
Answer
The 'if' clause is in the past perfect tense ('had not helped') and the main clause has 'would not have gone'.
Question
Complete the idiom: Having made a fool of himself in public, he felt _____.
Answer
hot under the collar
Question
Complete the idiom: The surprise party was kept _____.
Answer
under wraps
Question
Complete the idiom: Scientists _____ to manufacture a vaccine against coronavirus.
Answer
take pains
Question
What does the idiom 'in full swing' mean?
Answer
At a stage when the level of activity is at its highest.
Question
What does the idiom 'neck and neck' mean?
Answer
Level with each other and equally likely to win.
Question
What does the idiom 'throw in the towel' mean?
Answer
To admit defeat.
Question
What does the idiom 'call the shots' mean?
Answer
To be the person in charge and make the decisions.
Question
For what purpose is a dash (—) used, as shown in the text?
Answer
For the purpose of restating something in different words or adding an explanation or something surprising.
Question
In the poem 'Failure,' what is the suggested approach for failure as a 'rocky hill'?
Answer
Climb it with a will!
Question
In the poem 'Failure,' what is the suggested approach for failure as a 'broken bone'?
Answer
Set it! Grin, and do not groan!
Question
In the poem 'Failure,' what is the suggested approach for failure as a 'tangled string'?
Answer
Puzzle out the knotted thing!
Question
In the poem 'Failure,' what is the suggested approach for failure as a 'river swift'?
Answer
Swim it! Swim, and do not drift!
Question
In the poem 'Failure,' what is the suggested approach for failure as a 'black morass'?
Answer
Cross it! There are tufts of grass!
Question
In the poem 'Failure,' what is the suggested approach for failure as a 'treacherous pit'?
Answer
Scramble! Clamber out of it!
Question
In the poem 'Failure,' what is the suggested approach for failure as an 'inky night'?
Answer
Sing! Expect the morning light!
Question
In the poem 'Failure,' what is the suggested approach for failure as an 'ugly coal'?
Answer
Fuse it to a diamond soul!
Question
What is the definition of 'morass'?
Answer
An area of muddy ground; a swamp.
Question
What is the definition of 'clamber'?
Answer
To climb with difficulty.
Question
What is the definition of 'treacherous'?
Answer
Presenting hidden or unpredictable dangers.