高考英语《流行话题 语境识词4500》Unit23 My Greatest Olympic Prize素材.docVIP

Unit 23　　My Greatest Olympic Prize　　It was the summer of 1936. The Olympic Games were being held in Berlin. Because Hitler insisted childishly that his performers were members of a master race, nationalistic feelings were at all-time high.　　I had trained, sweated and disciplined myself for 6 years. I had my eyes especially on the running broad jump, determined to earn one gold medal for America. A year before, as a sophomore at the Ohio State, Id set the worlds record of 26 feet 8 1/4 inches. Nearly everyone expected me to win this event.　　I was in for a surprise. When the time came for the broad-jump trials, I was startled to see a tall boy hitting the pit at almost 26 feet on his practice leaps. He turned out to be a German named Luz Long. He had easily qualified for the finals on his first attempt. I guessed that if Long won, it would add new support to the Nazis master race theory. After all, Im a Negro. Angry about Hitlers ways, I was determined do show Hitler who was superior and who wasnt.　 　An angry athlete is an athlete who will make mistakes. I fouled twice on my qualifying jumps. Walking a few yards from the pit, I kicked at the dirt disgustedly. Suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to look into the friendly blue eyes of Luz Long. Hi, Im Luz Long. I dont think weve met. He spoke English well, though with a German twist. Glad to meet you, I said. Then, trying to hide my nervousness, I added, How are you? Im fine. Something must be eating you. You should be able to qualify with your eyes closed. He said.　　he seemed to understand my anger, and took pains to reassure me. Although hed been schooled in the Nazi youth movement, he didnt believe in the Aryan-superiority business any more than I did. For the next few minutes we talked together. Finally, seeing that I had calmed down somewhat, he said, What does it matter if youre not the first in the trials? Tomorrow is what counts. All the tension left my body as the truth of what he said hit me.