Jesse Owens

American sprinter and long jumper

Jesse Owens - American sprinter and long jumper
Born

September 12th, 1913
111 years ago

Died

March 31st, 1980
45 years ago — 66 years old

Category

Athletes & Sports Figures

Country

United States

Links & References

Competed in track and field, specializing in sprinting and long jump. Gained global notoriety at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where four gold medals were won in the 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump, and 4x100 meter relay. Defended titles at the 1935 Big Ten Conference, setting multiple world records in a single day. His athletic achievements challenged the prevailing notions of racial superiority during that era.

Won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics

Set multiple world records in 1935

Dominated sprinting events at the Big Ten Conference

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