In warm-up, Long was routinely nailing 26 foot jumps, and Owens became alarmed. Still in his sweats, the American decided to test the runway. To his horror the German officials counted the test run as the first of his three qualifying jumps.

"We had three (qualifying) attempts to make it to the final, but I fouled twice," Owens recalled. "I was scared stiff that I would blow it on my final attempt."

It was then that Luz Long, the blue-eyed, blond Aryan hero, strolled over to the black American, armed with some encouragement and advice. "Long came over to me and in broken English said, "Jesse, let me make a suggestion. I will place my towel a foot in front of the foul line and you can use this for your takeoff."

Since the qualifying distance was three feet shorter than Owens' usual jumps, he qualified with ease. In the finals, a back-and-forth battle took place; with Long's fifth jump matching Owens' 25-10, but Owens leaped 26-5 1/2 on his his final jump to set a new Olympic record. Luz Long claimed the silver medal.

"After my victory was secure," Owens said, "Luz was the first one to greet me, and we walked arm in arm in front of Hitler's box. It took great 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 plating on the 24-karat friendship I felt for Luz Long at that moment."

Athletic Principle

There are two ways to do anything in life or in sport - with class, or without class. It doesn't cost any more, or take any extra time or energy to have class. Having class doesn't make you any less of a competitor or any less aggressive or intense as an athlete. You don't lose your edge by having class - you gain the edge.

So how does class give you an edge over your opponent? Simple - class gives you the poise that allows you to concentrate, to maintain a narrow focus which is a key to the ability to win more consistently. Consistency builds self-confidence, and self-confidence allows you to reach to the next level.

What exactly is class? It is one of those valuable, "intangible" personal character qualities that is in high demand because it is so rare. Most athletes, unfortunately don't have it. Class is being a good person, showing good sportsmanship, always taking responsibility for the consequences of your actions, and being considerate to others. You have class if you demonstrate humility, poise, and display self-confidence without arrogance.

Athletes with class handle victory and defeat in the same way - graciously, with their heads held high. Athletes with class don't brag in victory, or make excuses in defeat. They accept the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat in stride. They always praise their opponents for a job well done, and they admit their mistakes.

Class always shows, whether you win or you lose. People can tell instantly if you have it by watching you perform and interact with others. If you have class, you don't need much of anything else to be a winner. If you don't have it, whatever else you have won't make up the difference.

Fame, fortune, trophies, medals and glory are all fine, but they alone won't give you class. Only you can do that.

God's Performance Principle

You won't find the word "class" in the Bible, but God's Word defines it as a "spiritual fruit." Spiritual fruit is produced by the Holy Spirit in those persons who know and who walk with God. The fruit is a witness or evidence of those who have a personal relationship with God. The evidence is: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). In a word - Godly class.

God desires us to produce and show class when we follow Him. He fills us with His wisdom, which is peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere (James 3:17). This is how God wants us to live our lives. Jesus gave this command and promise: "go and bear fruit - fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name" (John 15:16).

Just as it is important that an athlete "produce" results when he or she is competing in an athletic competition, so it is important that we as Christian athletes produce the results that God wants from us - especially in our attitudes and actions on and off the field of play.

Luz Long gave a tremendous example of how a Christian athlete should bear fruit. Luz was helpful and encouraging in a time of distress for Jesse Owens. He was a friend, and showed love to him, even in the face of danger (Hitler's presence). That is Godly class!

Godly class - it is the most important technique in your performance. Make it a perfect 10!

Note: for a Biblical example of Godly class - read about Jonathan in 1 Samuel chapters 18-23.

"And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work." (Colossians 1:10)

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; part from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)