Jesse Owens Biography

James Cleveland Owens, or simply Jesse Owens as the world knows him, was one of the greatest sporting legends who has to his name several world records and achievements. His achievements in 1936 Berlin Olympics track and field competitions remained unmatched for a large period of time, making him as the most glorious track and field athlete of his days. However, sadly, much of the recognition and acknowledgement came late in life or mostly posthumously for Owens, due to the racism meted out to African American community in those days. Nevertheless, one can never overlook or forget his contribution in the 1935 and 1936 Big Ten Championships and most importantly the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games. His record at the 1935 Big Ten Championship in the long jump event with a leap of 8.13 m stood for almost 25 years before Ralph Boston broke it in 1960. Also, his four gold medals haul at Berlin Summer Olympics was equalled by Carl Lewis only in 1984. To commemorate his contribution and glorious feat in track and field, a Jesse Owen Awards was created to honor best track and field athlete by the US every year. It is the USA Track and Field's highest accolade that one can achieve. To know more about Jesse Owens life and sporting actions, read on.