Jesse Owens

full name:

James Cleveland Owens

bio:

Jesse Owens upheld the Olympic spirit. He worked hard for what he earned and proved that a dream can always come true. He was a remarkable athlete, breaking records almost every time he ran. After setting national records in high school, he attended Ohio State University, where he became an All-American. On May 25, 1935, at the Big Ten Conference Championships, Owens broke three world records and tied a fourth, all in a 70 minute span. At the 1936 Berlin Olympics, he won four gold medals.

also known as:

Jesse. As a boy he was known as 'J.C.' because of his initials. That was until a new teacher mistaked the sound of J. C., and began calling him 'Jesse'. This name stuck.

born:

September 12, 1913
Oakville Alabama

died:

March 31, 1980
Tucson, Arizona

sport:

Athletics

team / club:

USA

event:

100m, Long Jump,

personal bests:

achievements:

1936 Berlin Olympics - 4 gold

• 100 meters in 10.3 seconds (tying the world record)

• long jump with a jump of 26' 5 1/4" (Olympic record)

• 200 meters in 20.7 seconds (Olympic record)

• 400 meter relay (first leg) in 39.8 seconds (Olympic and world record).

what you may not know:

height: 5'10"
weight: 165 lbslink: Official Jesse Owens web site