Jesse Owens made history at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, winning four gold medals and cementing his place as one of the most iconic Olympic athletes ever.
Born James Cleveland Owens on September 12, 1913, in Alabama, he was the tenth of Henry and Emma Alexander Owens’ children. He was called “J.C.” as a child, but when his family moved to Cleveland, Ohio, when he was nine, his teacher mistakenly wrote “J.C.” as “Jesse,” and the name stuck.
Jesse’s athletic journey started in Cleveland, where he set Junior High School records by jumping 6 feet in the high jump and leaping 22 feet, 11 ¾ inches in the broad jump (now known as the long jump). These early achievements hinted at the greatness to come.
Owens’ Olympic triumphs were unmatched until 1984, when Carl Lewis won four gold medals at the Los Angeles Olympics. While other athletes have surpassed his medal count, Jesse Owens’ victories meant much more than just athletic achievement. In the face of racial segregation and the rise of Nazi ideology, Owens defied Hitler’s theories on race and became a symbol of courage and defiance.
His legacy went beyond the track. Owens worked tirelessly with young people, using his platform to inspire and share his time and resources. He showed the world what’s possible with resilience, determination, and an unwavering spirit.
When Jesse Owens passed, messages of sympathy and admiration flooded in from around the globe. President Carter summed it up best: “Perhaps no athlete better symbolized the human struggle against tyranny, poverty, and racial bigotry. His triumphs as an athlete were the beginning of a life devoted to helping others. His work with young athletes, his role as an ambassador, and his advocacy for freedom left a lasting legacy.”
Jesse’s daughters—Gloria, Marlene, and Beverly—continue to honor his memory through the Jesse Owens Foundation. The Foundation carries on his mission by supporting young people with potential, helping them develop their talents, broaden their horizons, and become better citizens. It’s clear Jesse Owens would be incredibly proud of the impact his legacy continues to have.
