Summer Olympics: Jesse Owens wins his fourth gold medal at the games.

Jesse Owens was an American track and field athlete who is most famous for his performance at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Born on September 12, 1913, in Oakville, Alabama, and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Owens became a track and field star while attending Ohio State University.

At the 1936 Olympics, held in Nazi Germany, Owens won four gold medals: in the 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump, and 4×100 meter relay. His victories were particularly significant because they challenged Adolf Hitler’s propaganda about Aryan racial superiority. Owens’ achievements on the track made him an enduring symbol of athletic excellence and a pivotal figure in the history of sports and civil rights.

After his Olympic triumphs, Owens faced numerous challenges, including racial discrimination and difficulties in finding lucrative opportunities due to the amateur status rules of the time. He later worked in various roles, including public speaking and promoting physical fitness. Jesse Owens passed away on March 31, 1980, but his legacy continues to inspire athletes and advocates for equality.