Jesse Owens Biography d5n6w

Jan 31, 2018

Birth date: September 12, 1913
Birthplace: Oakville, Alabama

In honor of Black History Month, Kidzworld looks at one of the most influential black athletes in history. We got the bio on this track and field legend!

Growing Up o2qj

Even at a young age, Jesse Owens was lightning record-setting ways At Ohio State University. In the 1935 Big Ten Championships, Jesse tied his 100 yard record and set world records in the 200 yards, the long jump and the 220 yard hurdles! That day is one of the greatest single-day performances in the history of sports.

Jesse Owens

Discrimination 732d24

Jesse grew up in a time and place where racial segregation was at its peak. Despite being a athlete in the world, he was not even eligible for a scholarship.

1936 Olympics g2257

Jesse Owens walked into a hostile environment coming into the 1936 Olympic Games which was held in Berlin, . At the time, Adolf Hitler was the leader in Olympic record that stood until 1984. His victory allowed him to travel with and stay at the same hotel as white people. It was definitely a good start to the equal rights movement.

Jesse Owens at the 1936 Olympics

Did U Know? 2e1m37

Jesse Owens' birth name is James Cleveland Owens.
Jesse Owens was nicknamed the Buckeye Bullet during his days at Ohio State.
Jesse Owens died on March 31, 1980 of lung cancer.
Jesse Owens used to race horses after the 1936 Olympic Games.
Jesse Owens has a street in Berlin named after him as well as a medical center in Arizona.

Jesse Owens Says... b6j5c

"We all have dreams, but in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort."