While many people forget who won the gold medal at last summer’s Olympic 100 or 200 meters race, almost everyone has heard of Jesse Owens. This American superstar achieved international fame by winning four gold medals at the 1936 Olympics. What is more remarkable he did at a time when he faced prejudice because of his skin color in every aspect of his life. Even though he was an outstanding college athlete, Jesse was never awarded a track scholarship and was not even allowed to eat in restaurants of his choice- he was only limited to “black only” eateries.
After winning the Olympic gold medals, Jesse once stated, “Hitler didn’t snub me—it was FDR who snubbed me. The president didn’t even send me a telegram.” During their terms as presidents, neither Franklin Roosevelt or Harry Truman invited Jesse Owens to the White House nor bestowed any honors on him.
Since those days, America has moved forward and we even have an African American president. America has amended its ways and today JO is a national hero for many track athletes. On March 28, 1990, he was posthumously granted the Congressional Gold Medal by former President George H. W. Bush.
All over the country, Jesse Owens has been recognized. Besides being inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, there are some sports arenas named after the great legend.
At the recent 2009 World Athletic Championships in Berlin, all those who participated with the US Track & Field team wore labels with “JO” to honor Jesse’s triumphs in the same stadium where Hitler refused to shake his hand.