| 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. In the 1936 Berlin Olympics, he won four gold medals: 100 meter dash in 10.3 seconds (tying the world record), long jump with a jump of 26' 5 1/4" (Olympic record), 200 meter dash in 20.7 seconds (Olympic record), and 400 meter relay (first leg) in 39.8 seconds (Olympic and world record).
Growing up poor, Owens always longed for the good things in life. After achieving success, Jesse would go on to purchase one new car every year for the rest of his life, as well as large homes for both himself and his parents.
After the Olympics, he worked to benefit other people and would often lend his name to advertisers for their products. |
USA