American track and field athlete who won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics in sprints and the long jump.
Background
Born James Cleveland Owens in Oakville, Alabama, he attended Ohio State University and was nicknamed “Jesse” from a misheard “J. C.” in school.
Career
At a Big Ten meet in Ann Arbor on May 25, 1935, he set world records in the 100-yard dash, long jump, 220-yard dash, and 220-yard low hurdles in less than an hour. At the 1936 Berlin Olympics he won four golds, beating Nazi Germany’s racial-supremacy narrative.
Style of play
A right-handed sprinter and long jumper, Owens combined a fast start with stride frequency. His long jump record of 8.13 m stood for 25 years until Ralph Boston broke it in 1960.
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