At the Berlin Olympics, Jesse Owens emerged as a standout athlete, claiming the gold medal in the 100 metre dash. In a race held at the monumental Olympic Stadium, Owens showcased his incredible speed, finishing with a time of 10.3 seconds, a feat that not only secured him gold but also set a precedent in track and field history. His closest competitor, Ralph Metcalfe, earned the bronze medal, finishing shortly after Owens, illustrating the intense competition between the two American sprinters. Owens' victory was notable not only for his athletic prowess but also for its broader cultural significance given the political climate of the time.

The 1936 Olympics were hosted in Nazi Germany, led by Adolf Hitler, who sought to use the Games as a platform to promote Aryan supremacy. The success of Owens, an African American athlete, directly contradicted these ideologies. His performance was watched by a global audience, and he became a symbol of hope and resilience, illustrating that talent and hard work can transcend racial barriers. Owens later commented on how the Nazi officials refused to acknowledge his victories, instead choosing to highlight the achievements of Aryan athletes.

Owens' victory in the 100 metres set the tone for his later achievements in the Games, where he would go on to win three additional medals. His presence at the Berlin Games not only changed perceptions around race and sport but also had lasting implications for civil rights movements in the United States in the years that followed.