Jesse Owens

Jesse Owens was an American track and field athlete. He was born in Oakville, Alabama, in 1913. He won four gold medals at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, Germany. He proved that talent, not race, determines greatness.

Early Life

Owens was the grandson of enslaved people. His family moved to Cleveland, Ohio, when he was nine. He showed talent for running in high school. He set records at Ohio State University.

Jesse Owens flying through the air during a long jump at the 1936 Olympics.
Jesse Owens flying through the air during a long jump at the 1936 Olympics. (UnknownUnknown ; cropped by Beyond My Ken (talk) 05:51, 31 December 2009 (UTC) / Wikimedia Commons)

Big Achievements

At the 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany, Adolf Hitler wanted to prove that white athletes were superior. Owens shattered that idea by winning four gold medals. He won the 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump, and 4x100 relay. His achievements embarrassed the Nazi regime.

Fun Facts

  • Owens set three world records and tied a fourth in just 45 minutes at a college track meet.
  • Hitler reportedly refused to shake Owens's hand at the Olympics.
  • Owens ran without starting blocks, which were not used at that time.

Did You Know?

Despite his Olympic triumph, Owens faced racism when he returned to the United States. He was not invited to the White House. He had to enter through the back door of a hotel hosting a banquet in his honor.