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Jesse Owens

Jesse Owens - The Unstoppable Athlete Who Triumphed over Adversity and Defied the Odds

Jesse Owens was an African-American track and field athlete who became a sports icon and a symbol of triumph against discrimination. Owens is best known for his exceptional performance at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

During the Berlin Olympics, held under Nazi Germany’s regime, Owens defied Hitler’s Aryan supremacy ideology by winning four gold medals. Owens’ remarkable achievements shattered racial stereotypes and showcased the athletic prowess of black athletes on a global stage.

Beyond the Olympics, Owens set numerous world records in track and field events during his career. In 1935, Owens established three world records and tied another in the span of 45 minutes at the Big Ten Championships, a feat that highlighted his extraordinary abilities.

Jesse Owens’ achievements went beyond his athletic prowess. He became a symbol of hope and inspiration, breaking barriers and challenging societal norms. His success played a significant role in advancing civil rights and promoting equality in the United States.

Jesse Owens passed away on March 31, 1980, but his impact on the world of athletics and his contributions to the fight against racial discrimination remain timeless.

Jesse Owens - The Buckeye Bullet

1913

born

Oakville, Alabama

birthplace

Ohio State University

College

1980

died

physical attributes

5'10"

Height

165 lbs.

Weight

Black

Hair Color

Brown

Eye Color

Family

Henry & Emma

Parents

6 brothers & 3 sisters

Siblings

Ruth

Spouse

Gloria, Beverly & Marlene

Children

the phases of a sprint

Jesse Owens in Champion Athlete, by Tony Gentry

“To a sprinter, the hundred-yard dash is over in three seconds, not nine or ten.

The first ‘second’ is when you come out of the blocks. The next is when you look up and take your first few strides to attain gain position. By that time the race is actually about half over.

The final ‘second’ – the longest slice of time in the world for an athlete – is that last half of the race, when you really bear down and see what you’re made of. It seems to take an eternity, yet is all over before you can think what’s happening.”

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