Do you love watching the summer Olympics every 4 years? If so, you've probably heard of famous track & field athletes such as Carl Lewis, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and Caitlyn Jenner.
But have you heard of Jesse Owens? The son of sharecroppers, grandson of slaves, and 9th child in his family, he competed in the 1936 Olympics and became a symbol of liberty and persistence, not only for his own country, but for the entire world!
A Legendary Olympian
Jesse Owens grew up to be one of the most famous athletes of all time.
He was one of 18 Black Americans who participated in the 1936 Olympics, held in Germany during the time of Adolf Hitler's rule. Their participation was a bold move and served to inspire people to treat Black individuals as equals in an era when segregation and prejudice were common.
Jesse Owens was an amazing sprinter who:
Set 3 world records on a single day while in college
Won 4 Olympic gold medals (100 meter, 200 meter, relay, and long jump)
Watch him make these successes look effortless in this original film clip:
1. Focus on your goals
Set goals and go after them with vigor and determination!
We often hear inspiring stories or read about a famous person whom we admire.
Sometimes it seems like they were an overnight success. But that's rarely the case.
We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.
—Jesse Owens
Jesse worked hard to become a world champion. His college didn't have any track-related scholarships, so he paid for his education and supported his wife by working night and part-time jobs, all while training for and competing in track competitions!
2. Persist in the Face of Adversity
There will be highs and lows as you work towards your dreams, but do your best to persist!
Jesse Owens grew up in a segregated America and even when he returned as a gold medal-winning Olympian, he had to deal with serious prejudice.
He wasn't invited to the White House to celebrate his victories.
He had to use the back door when attending his own celebration party in New York City.
He had trouble finding a job due to the color of his skin.
His later years brought more success and recognition. His awards and appointments include:
Sports Ambassador of the United States in the 1950s
Having a street in the Ivory Coast named after him in 1971
Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Gerald Ford in 1976
Living Legend Award by President Jimmy Carter in 1979
Congressional Gold Medal after his death, in 1990 by President George H.W Bush
3. Remember What's Important
Be true to your friends and values!
While it's important to pursue your dreams, Jesse realized that some things are more important — the people you surround yourself with and the good deeds you do!
Awards become corroded, friends gather no dust.
—Jesse Owens
It's great to be successful! But there's more to life than being rich, popular, or the best.
Jesse Owens:
Was married for almost 48 years to his wife Ruth
Mentored youth and considered this his most satisfying accomplishment
Served as a global ambassador and an inspirational speaker
Had 3 daughters with his wife Ruth, who continue his charitable work through the Jesse Owens Foundation
How Can Jesse Owens' Life Inspire Us?
Photo by Markus Winkler on UnsplashJesse Owens overcame adversity and became a famous Olympian who broke world records and inspired the world. He later became a role model and mentor.
Most of us will never be Olympians or the absolute best in our chosen field of work. Despite this, how could we emulate Jesse Owens' example?
Quiz
What could we do? Select all that apply:
Take Action
Run, don't walk, to learn more about Jesse Owens and other famous Black people in history!
Your feedback matters to us.
This Byte helped me better understand the topic.