A J Chilson

Jesse and Luz A J Chilson

In 2021, athletes from many countries will compete in the rescheduled Olympic Games in Tokyo. 2021 also marks the 85th anniversary of the story this book talks about, which is published in conjunction with the upcoming anniversary. Their paths first crossed at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. They were not teammates. Rather, they were rival athletes from different countries. One was a black man, the other a white man. Their objective was to win the gold medal for their representing country. But somehow, within the thick and ugly climate of racism, through one man's failure and the other's willingness to help, a friendship developed. This is a story of sportsmanship, of how rival athletes can set aside their many differences and get along, both in the heat of competition and long after leaving the athletic arena. This is the story of Jesse Owens of the United States and Luz Long of Germany, their performances during the Olympics, their correspondence following the event, and the friendship that was extended years later to Luz's son Kai.