Jesse Owens on the podium after winning the long jump at the . L-R, , Owens, .Awards and honorsAlabama Sports Hall of Fame
Jesse Owens seemed sure to win the long jump at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany. Just the year before, he had set three world records in one day. He was the record holder of the running long jump with 26 feet 8.25 inches — a record that would stand for 25 years. As he...
Owens’ world record for the long jump lasted for 25 years until being broken by Olympian Ralph Boston in 1960. Several contemporary newspaper accounts report that Hitler waved at or saluted Owens immediately after his victory in the 100-meter event. However, because Hitler had previously ...
Owens would win four gold medals (100 meters, 200 meters, 4×100 meter relay, and long jump) at the ‘36 games, destroying Hitler’s belief in Aryan supremacy. The victory was so historical, the track star became an American hero, prompting Wheaties to make him the newest face of their...
Jesse Owens seemed sure to win the long jump at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany. Just the year before, he had set three world records in one day. He was the record holder of the running long jump with 26 feet 8.25 inches — a record that would stand for 25 years.As he ...