Jesse Owens

Date of Birth: September 12, 1913

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: March 31, 1980

Biography

James Cleveland “Jesse” Owens was an American track and field athlete, born on September 12, 1913, in Oakville, Alabama. He is most famously known for his performance at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where he won four gold medals in the 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump, and 4 × 100 meter relay. Owens’ victory was particularly significant as it took place in Nazi Germany, under Adolf Hitler’s regime, which promoted Aryan racial superiority. His triumphs served as a powerful rebuttal to these ideologies. Owens grew up in a poor family and worked various jobs while attending school. His talent for running was evident from an early age, and he was heavily involved in track and field throughout high school and college. He attended Ohio State University, where he set three world records and tied another in a span of 45 minutes at the 1935 Big Ten track meet, a feat often referred to as “the greatest 45 minutes ever in sports.” After his Olympic success, Owens faced significant racial discrimination and struggled to find employment. Despite these challenges, he remained a prominent figure in sports and advocacy, working as a motivational speaker and running a dry cleaning business. Owens passed away on March 31, 1980, in Tucson, Arizona, due to complications from lung cancer.

5 Interesting Facts about Jesse Owens

1. Jesse Owens set three world records and tied a fourth in just 45 minutes at the 1935 Big Ten track meet.

2. Owens won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, countering Nazi racial propaganda.

3. After his Olympic success, Owens raced against horses to make a living due to the lack of opportunities for Black athletes.

4. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1976 by President Gerald Ford.

5. Owens’ real first name was James, but he was commonly known as Jesse, a nickname given by a teacher who misheard his initials “J.C.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jesse Owens

1. “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.”

2. “The battles that count aren’t the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourself—the invisible, inevitable battles inside all of us—that’s where it’s at.”

3. “Find the good. It’s all around you. Find it, showcase it and you’ll start believing in it.”

4. “One chance is all you need.”

5. “Life doesn’t give you all the practice races you need.”