One of the most enduring images from the 1936 Olympic Games was America’s Jesse Owens conversing affably with Germany’s Luz Long. Owens, an African-American discriminated against in his own country because of his skin color, and Long, the blond haired embodiment of Hitler’s “master race” that believed people of Owens’ color were sub-human, showed the world that sports and the athletes that compete in them could transcend discrimination and nationalistic divides. The bond between Owens and Long was such that it was advice imparted by the German to his American friend that enabled Owens to win the gold medal in the Long Jump (then known as the Broad Jump).
Years later in 1964, Jesse Owens told Long’s son that after fouling twice in the preliminary rounds for the Long Jump, the German approached a dejected Owens and suggested he try to jump from a spot several inches behind the takeoff board, ensuring he wouldn’t foul. Long’s advice worked, and the American’s leap of 26 feet 5 inches not only beat his German friend’s best effort, but also was just 3¼ inches short of Owens’ own world record. This win was the second of Owens’ four golds won at the 1936 Games.
This beautifully-designed 17" by 12.5" First Place Winner's Diploma was awarded to Jesse Owens as a companion to his gold medal for the Broad Jump at the 1936 Games. Designed by eminent German graphic artist Professor Ernst Boehm and produced by Erasmusdruck G.M.B.H. of Berlin, the heavy card stock certificate is gilt engraved with delicate embossing of the Olympic Stadium and symbols of the Games over “XI. OLYMPIADE BERLIN 1936” engraved in red. “JESSE OWENS, U.S.A. SIEGER WEITSPRUNG” is engraved above the multi-color Olympic rings and facsimile signatures of the Presidents of the International Olympic Committee and Organizing Committee.
Only 1,500 of these intricate diplomas were created for the medal winners, and this particular one was awarded to the greatest Olympian for the event that showed the world that the Olympic Spirit transcended race, politics and borders. It is professionally matted and framed under glass to 20.5” by 16" dimensions. Two sides of the wooden frame have loosened from the glass and matte over time, but this is easily fixable.
Jesse Owens' Long Jump diploma along with his 200 Meters diploma in Lot 2 are without question the two most important and valuable Olympic diplomas ever offered. And because the whereabouts of Owens' other two winner's diplomas is unknown, the opportunity to own one or both cannot be understated. Both come directly from the Owens family estate.
Includes letter of authenticity signed by each of Jesse Owens' three daughters.