Jesse Owen – Athletics

Jesse Owens was a famous Afro American track and field athlete who was born on September 12, 1913, in Lawrence County, Alabama. He is unanimously recognized as one of the most famous athletes of all times. He is best known as the world record setter in athletics and gold medal winner in the Summer Games. He won 4 Olympic gold medals in different events in the 1936 Summer Olympics, Berlin. During his athletics career, he excelled in 100 meters Sprint, 200 meters Dash, long jump, and 4x100 meters Relay.

His parents, Henry and Emma Owens shifted their accommodation to Cleveland, Ohio, when Jesse was nine years old. During his high school days, Jesse developed his interest in running, and soon found his place in the school track team, as recommended by his junior high track coach, Charles Riley.

Jesse Owens competed in 100 meters sprint, 200 meters dash, Long jump, and 100 meters relay. The famous athlete set numerous records in these events.

High School Level Competitions

Jesse Owens achieved the world record of 9.4 seconds in the 100-yard Dash, while studying in the East Technical High School in Cleveland. In 1933, he achieved the world record of 24 feet 9.5 inches in the Long Jump Category, while competing in the National High School Championship in Chicago. Both these achievements brought him national attention and glory.

Jesse Owens won a record breaking 8 gold medals in individual NCAA athletics championships, four each in 1935 and 1936.

This accomplishments brought him a membership of Alpha Phi Alpha, which was the first intercollegiate Greek-letter organization established for African Americans.

On May 25, 1935, Jesse achieved the world record of 9.4 seconds in 100-yard Dash, and set a world record of 8.13 meters in Long Jump, which lasted for the next 25 years. He also set a record of 20.7 seconds in 220-yard Dash, and 22.6 seconds in Low Hurdles. The record setup in Low Hurdles has been intact so far.

Berlin Olympics (Jesse Owens accomplishments)

August 3,1936: Jesse Owens won gold medal in 100 meters Sprint, defeating Ralph Metcalfe.

August 4, 1936: He won gold medal in Long Jump, defeating German contender Lutz Long.

August 5, 1936: He won gold medals in 200 meters Dash, defeating Mac Robinson.

August 9, 1936: Jesse won gold medal in 100 meters relay.

The achievements of this world famous athlete were recognized only after his death, when in 1984, a street was named Jesse Owens Allee. The United States Government, in 1990 and 1998, released two stamps to honor the Olympic Gold Medalist. The Jesse Owens Medical Plaza in Phoenix, Arizona, was named in the honor of Jesse Owens, the world record setter in athletics.