The hero of the 1936 Berlin Olympics — won four gold medals in front of Adolf Hitler, directly challenging Nazi ideology of racial supremacy.
Jesse Owens's performance at the 1936 Berlin Olympics stands as the most politically resonant achievement in sporting history. Winning four gold medals (100m, 200m, long jump, 4x100m relay) in front of Adolf Hitler directly refuted Nazi ideology of Aryan supremacy on the world's most visible stage. On a single afternoon in 1935, he broke three world records and tied a fourth within 45 minutes.
A German long jumper, Luz Long, helped Owens qualify for the long jump final by advising him on his run-up — despite being his direct rival.
Did You Know?Career Honours
- Olympic Gold 4x — Berlin 1936
- World Records 3x (in 45 minutes)