Influence

Jesse Owens had a significant influence on young athletes and what people thought about the African American race (“How Jesse Owens…”). He also helped many people and changed their lives with his accomplishments (“How Jesse Owens…”). He proved success was possible for any individual through hard work. Owens also visited many countries and used his athletic success to help others (“How Jesse Owens…”). On one occasion, he went to the Philippines and taught children proper running mechanics (“How Jesse Owens…”). While there he saw that all the children were running barefoot so he started a fundraiser and gave all the children running shoes (“How Jesse Owens…”). Jesse Owens also became the first American influencer for Adidas, wearing a custom fit shoe in the 1936 Olympics (O'Neil). Eighty years later, in 2016, Adidas made a commemorative Jesse Owens shoe that was sold during Black History Month (O'Neil). ​​​​​​​