A Picture Book of Jesse Owens by David A. Adler, Robert Casilla (Illustrator) Reading Level: Ages 4-8 Price: $6.20 Home Search Site About MultiEducator History Shopping For Educators American History World History Election Central NationbyNation Primary Source Documents 20th Century Almanac Aviation History Navy History Railroad History America's Wars Revolutionary War War of 1812 Mexican American Civil War Spanish American World War I World War II Korean War Vietnam War Desert Storm Enduring Freedom Iraqi Freedom Biographies Presidents First Ladies 20th Century 500 Amistadt Civics History of Israel Other Links About Historycentral Advertise Contact US

Jesse Owens 1913- 1980 American Athlete Jesse Owens, the African-American athlete who electrified the Berlin Olympics of 1936, became a hero for generations of Americans. His victories in the 100 and 200 meter dashes and the broad jump, along with his contribution to the gold-medal winning performance of the US team in the 400 meter relay, confirmed Owens' stature as one of the all-time greats in track and field. In Owens' sophomore year at Ohio State, he broke five world records and tied a sixth, all within the same hour of competition. In 1976, Owens was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.