Jesse Owens
American athlete Jesse Owens competing in the 200 meters at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin; he earned a gold medal in the event.
Jesse Owens
American athlete
Also known as: James Cleveland Owens
Jesse Owens (born September 12, 1913, Oakville, Alabama, U.S.âdied March 31, 1980, Tucson, Arizona) was an American track-and-field athlete who became one of the sportâs most legendary competitors after winning four gold medals at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. His victories were a blow to Adolf Hitlerâs intention to use the Games to demonstrate Aryan superiority. Owens was the youngest of 10 children. The family initially lived in Alabama, where Owensâs father worked as...