Berlin - The families of Olympic legend Jesse Owens and his friendly German rival Luz Long will reunite at the world championships in Berlin and present the long jump medals, the ruling body IAAF said on Wednesday.

The medals will be distributed on August 22 by Owens' granddaughter Marlene Dortch and Long's son Kai Long.

Long famously advised Owens to change his run-up when the American was in danger of failing to make the long jump final at the politically charged 1936 Games in the Olympic Stadium.

Owens went on to win the final in his historic achievement of four gold medals, the others coming in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m. Long took silver, the two left the stadium arm in arm and the families have remained in contact ever since.

However, the visit of Dortch for the August 15-23 worlds is the first of a member of the Owens family to Berlin since 1936.

The IAAF said that the families are also expected to take part in events at the KulturStadion, located at the Brandenburg gate, which will feature athletics celebrations throughout the championships.

"These championships provide a rare opportunity to honor the bond of international friendship formed between Mr Owens and Mr Long," said IAAF President Lamine Diack said.

"It is our earnest hope that the power of athletics to unite the world in friendship can be displayed once again in Berlin during these world championships."

The IAAF said it arranged the meeting together with the US federation USATF and German organizers of the worlds.

USATF chief Doug Logan said: "To see the families of Jesse Owens and Luz Long, side by side, will provide the capstone to a yearlong celebration for USA Track & Field.

"Few athletes mean more to our sport9s international heritage than Mr Owens, and it is our honour to assist in bringing the Owens and Long families together again."

The USATF has held various events in celebration of Owens, including at the Berlin trials in Eugene two months ago. The US team in Berlin will wear special uniforms bearing owens' initials.

"Jesse Owens is a hero of mine for many reasons," said the current leading US sprinter Tyson Gay. "It will be very special to run in the same stadium."

Berlin's Sportsmuseum is currently staging an exhibition named "Jesse Owens, a sports legend." (dpa)