Jesse Owens
Olympic Medalist
Jesse Owens was born September 12, 1913 in Oakville, Alabama and died March 31, 1980 in Tuscon, Arizona.
Jesse Owens started his life as a poor child. His family didn't have much but his interest for track grew as he got older. In his high school years he set many records such as the 100 and 200 yard meter dash. Jesse went to the Olympics in 1936, in Berlin. He won four medals as well as setting and reaching many records. Although, his talent for track was unexplainable, running track at the Berlin Olympics wasn't the only thing the world remembers him for. Jesse, along with some of his fellow African American opponents, used their achievement's to sabotage Adolf Hitler's plan to use the 1936 games as a way to show Aryan superiority. Not only does his amazing talent keep him alive in people's hearts today, but he is remembered for the bravery he displayed at the Olympics.
* Proof that one person's actions can change the perspective of the whole world. * He was called the "Buckeye Bullet"
He Had Struggles Too
- Jesse suffered from humiliating treatment because of his color
-At college Jesse was not permitted to stay on campus or with his team at track meets because he was black
-After he returned from the Olympics, Jesse wasn't recognized or treated like we won four Olympic medals and he also struggled to fit school in between his training.
Jesseowens.com
Olympic.org
biography.com
notablebiographies.com