Jesse Owens

By: Danielle Rufus

Early life

James Cleveland Owens was born on September 12, 1913 in Oakville, Alabama. “J.C” he was called, moved to Cleveland, Ohio when he was 9 fore more work opportunities. He was nicknamed Jessie by his teacher and it stuck for the rest of his life. High school is also where he developed his passion for running, breaking many records, including reaching the world record at 9.4 seconds for the 100 meter sprint.

Olympic Career

• Jesse Owens ran in the Berlin Olympics • HE received four gold metals• Despite contrary belief Hitler did not intentionally

snub him and was even seen by a German reporter shaking his hand behind the stadium.

• Jesse felt snubbed by FDR because he had no recognition by him or Truman. It was not until Eisenhower came along was he named the Ambassador of Sports

Accomplishments

• Four gold metals. One for the 100, 200, long jump, and one as part of a 100 x 4 relay team.

• He the first black person to win four gold metals for the United States

• He has an award (the Jesse Owens Award)

Thank you!!