The Rise of Jesse Owens

Jesse Owens, born the son of a sharecropper in Alabama, made history at the 1936 Olympic Games by winning four gold medals, becoming the first athlete to achieve this feat. His athletic prowess was evident when he set three world records in a single day in 1935, showcasing incredible talent despite suffering from a back injury. Owens' career reached its peak in Berlin, where he competed in multiple events, including the 100 meters, 200 meters, broad jump, and a relay race. His performance not only solidified his place in Olympic history but also challenged the prevailing racial prejudices of the time, especially against the backdrop of Nazi Germany.