Happy birthday Jesse Owens

Happy birthday to Jesse Owens, the legendary American track-and-field athlete who was born today September 12, 1913 in Oakville, Alabama. The grandson of a slave and the youngest of ten children. Moved to Cleveland, Ohio when he was nine years old and became known as Jesse after his teacher misheard his initials J.C.

Jesse Owens is best remembered for his stunning performance at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, where he won four gold medals and shattered Hitler's myth of Aryan supremacy. He set an Olympic record in the 100-meter dash, a world record in the 200-meter dash, another world record in the 4 × 100-meter relay, and a long-standing world record in the long jump. He was the most successful athlete at the Games and received a hero's welcome when he returned to the United States.

Here are some facts, feats and highlights about one of the greatest humans who ever lived:

His real name?

Originally named James Cleveland Owens, but his teacher mistook his initials J.C. for Jesse, and the name stuck.

Where did he discover his talent?

Found his passion for running as a teenager in Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked various menial jobs to support his family.

The greatest 45 minutes ever in sport

Set three world records and tied another in less than an hour at the 1935 Big Ten track meet in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This feat has been called "the greatest 45 minutes ever in sport".

The first American Adidas Influencer

Adidas founder Adi Dassler created custom-fitted running shoes with special spikes and a low-cut upper for Owens. Owens wore these Adidas shoes and won the golds, becoming the first American athlete to promote the brand. In 2016, the Owens family collaborated with Adidas to launch a line of Jesse Owens shoes for Black History Month, honouring his legacy.

Befriended his biggest foe

He was friends with German long jumper Luz Long, who gave him advice on how to qualify for the final after he had fouled on his first two attempts. They posed together for photos after Owens won the gold medal and Long the silver. Long was killed in World War II and Owens later served as a pallbearer at his funeral.

Snubbed by his president… welcomed by Hitler

He was not invited to the White House by President Franklin D. Roosevelt after his Olympic triumph, nor did he receive any official recognition from the U.S. government. He later said, "Hitler didn't snub me – it was our president who snubbed me. The president didn't even send me a telegram."

Berlin named a street in his honour

A tribute to the Olympic hero who defied Hitler and the Nazis took place in Berlin in March 1984, four years after he passed away. The street next to the stadium where he won four gold medals in 1936 was renamed in his honor. Jesse Owens Allee was the new name of the former Stadium Avenue, revealed by his widow Ruth, who was 68 years old at the time. She received applause from the people who attended the ceremony.

Lived in poverty after his historic Olympics

He struggled financially after his Olympic triumph, as he was stripped of his amateur status for accepting endorsement deals. He worked as a gas station attendant, a playground janitor, and a nightclub entertainer. He also raced against horses and dogs for money.

Chain smoker

He was a smoker for most of his life and died of lung cancer at the age of 66 in Phoenix, Arizona. He is buried at Oak Woods Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois. His epitaph reads: "He could run...but he couldn't hide."

It took 40 years before an American President honoured his achievements

He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Gerald Ford in 1976 and the Congressional Gold Medal by President George H.W. Bush in 1990, posthumously. He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and several schools, streets, and parks named after him.

Spearheaded the civil rights movement for black people internationally

He became a goodwill ambassador for the United States and a civil rights advocate. He spoke out against racial discrimination and segregation and encouraged young people to pursue their dreams.

Jesse Owens was not only a great athlete but also a great human being who inspired millions of people with his courage, dignity, and humility. He was a symbol of hope and freedom for the civil rights movement and a role model for generations to come. Happy birthday, Jesse Owens! 🎂