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As rightist forces gain in strength, let’s come together and celebrate an icon of racial integration that America has aspired for through time—Jesse Owens. This amazing sporting hero stunned Hitler and his Nazi regime by winning four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Owens’ victory not only galvanized the colored community but also captivated a spellbound world much to the chagrin of the Nazis.
Despite the racism that he was a victim of, Jesse Owens’ achievements on the track and field won him much adulation across the globe. Owens’ triumph was a victory of the Olympics spirit, a victory of the greatness he achieved by breaking free of the political and cultural constraints of his times.
Early Years
The youngest among ten children, James Cleveland Owens was born in Oakville, Alabama on 12 September 1913. He was only 9 when his family moved to Cleveland in Ohio hoping to find better opportunities during the Great Migration. On being asked his name by his new teacher, he said: “J.C.” However, his strong southern accent made it sound like “Jesse” to his teacher and the name stuck. Hence, Jesse Owens, it was for the rest of his life.
Egged on by his coach at Fairmount Junior High School, Charles Riley, Owens grabbed national attention the very first time after equaling the world record for the 91m dash at the National High School Championship in Chicago. After earning the nickname “Buckeye Bullet,” Owens won eight individual NCAA championships through 1935 and 1936, a record.
Despite the success, Owens still had to face racial discrimination and stay confined to places meant only for blacks. It was a matter of 45 minutes that gave Owens his biggest achievement on May 25, 1935. It was at the Big Ten meet at Ferry Field, Ann Arbor, Michigan that he set three world records, one in the long jump, one in the 220-yard sprint, and one in 220-yard low hurdles. In 2005, NBC Sports announcer, Bob Costas, and Richard C. Crepeau, professor of sports history at the University of Central Florida picked these wins on a single day as the biggest athletic achievement since 1850.
The Landmark 1936 Berlin Olympics
Owens arrived in Berlin to compete for the US. This was the stage for Hitler to showcase Aryan supremacy. Despite Hitler’s propaganda and his high hopes of German domination, Owens went on to win four gold medals. He emerged victorious in the 100m sprint, the long jump, the 200m sprint, and the 4 x 100m relay.
The 1936 Berlin Olympics saw another piece of history being written involving Jesse Owens. Adidas founder, Adi Dassler visited the Olympics village and managed to convince Jesse Owens to use Adidas shoes which marked the first time an African-American male athlete won a sponsorship.
Conclusion
Despite the struggle that Jesse Owens fell into in the later stages of his life, he forever remains an inspiration for all. He set an example by achieving stellar success even while facing racism. His epic embrace of Luz Long, the Aryan German competitor helped break social barriers. It was a triumph of sportsmanship, humility, and humanity over narrow-mindedness and dogmatism. Jesse Owens’ achievements shall forever inspire all to fight the odds and march on believing in themselves.
