Introduction

There are many factors that contributed to the success of Jesse Owens. Owens was born in 1913 in the state of Alabama (“How Jesse Owens…”). His family moved to Cleveland, Ohio in 1922 (“How Jesse Owens…”). He later went to Fairmont Junior High School, which is where he began his track and field career (“How Jesse Owens…”). It was at Fairmount Junior High where his gym teacher saw him run and began teaching him how to be a sprinter (“How Jesse Owens…”). In 1928, he set world records for junior high school in both the high jump and long jump (“How Jesse Owens…”). Later, in high school, Owens single handedly won his high school the state championship (“How Jesse Owens…”). In closing a speech over the public address system to thousands of cheering fans Owens said, "believe me ladies and gentleman, when I run in college it will be for you, because you have made me want to run." (Perry). When Owens went to Ohio State University, he was the fastest runner in the world (Perry). While attending college, he broke four records in track and field (“Hitler…and Jesse Owens''). Because of his great achievements in sports, Jesse Owens was chosen to be the captain of the Ohio State University track and field team (“How Jesse Owens…”). Later, Owens chose to participate in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, knowing that many organizations were urging athletes not to participate that year because it was controversial (“How Jesse Owens…”). Many thought by participating they would be supporting Hitler and his beliefs ("How Jesse Owens..."). In the 1936 Olympics, Jesse Owens ran in the 100m, 200m, 4x100m relay and long jump (O'Neil). In all four of his events in the Olympics he was awarded a gold medal (O'Neil). This proved to Hitler that the Aryan race was not dominant, but that all races were equal (O'Neil).