The Lawyer’s Well-Being Brief

The Power of Respect: Jesse Owens and the Long Jump Rivalry That Became a Friendship

“When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others.”-Peace Pilgrim

Welcome (back) to the Lawyer’s Well-Being Brief! Each week, I share insights and practical strategies to help us cultivate well-being and thrive — both personally and professionally. Live well! Lawyer well!

This week we are looking at the 1936 Summer Olympics, Jesse Owens, and Luz Long.

In the summer of 1936, the world gathered in Berlin for the Olympic Games — a global stage overshadowed by Adolf Hitler’s attempts to showcase Nazi Germany’s ideology of Aryan supremacy. Against this tense political backdrop, one of the most powerful stories in Olympic history unfolded — not through conflict, but through an act of sportsmanship that transcended race, nationality, and politics.

At the center of this story was Jesse Owens, the legendary American track and field athlete. Known for his explosive speed and incredible jumping ability, Owens had already made waves by winning the 100-meter dash. But it was during the long jump competition that an unexpected rival — and friend — emerged: Luz Long, Germany’s premier long jumper.