Jesse Owens Research Papers

Jesse Owens Jesse Owens is considered to be one of the best athletes of his time and one of the best track and field athletes of all time. Owens had faced racism throughout his entire life. Owens would often have racial slurs yelled at him during his races but Owens was a determined athlete and wouldn’t let that stop him. Born on September 12, 1913 in a small town in Alabama. James Cleveland Owens grew up in a time of racism, discrimination, and poverty. James Owens was the grandson of slaves and the son of two poor sharecroppers (Stanbrough, 172). His parents, Henry and Mary Emma, had eleven children including James. When James was five he developed a fibrous bump on his chest, that pressed against his lungs. His parent didn’t have enough …show more content…
Jesse went to Fairmount Junior High School, where his gym teacher and track coach, Charles Riley, noticed Jesses athleticism and encouraged Jesse to join the track team. Riley invented a training program specifically for Jesse that took place in the morning before school. (Jesse Owens, 1) Jesses training program took place before school because Jesse had to work after school. Jesse had a few different jobs growing up, but worked at a shoe repair shop during junior high school. Charles Riley had a large impact on Jesse as an athlete. He not only helped Jesse physically but also mentally. Charles had his athletes train for longer events, knowing it would also help them in their short races, like the 100-yard dash. He also had his athletes focused on long term goals rather than short term goals. (Haire, 1) During his junior high years, Jesse set records in the high jump and in the running broad, which is now known as the long jump (About Jesse Owens, …show more content…
The Big Ten Championship was held in Ann Arbor on May 25, 1935. Owens was unsure if he would even be able to compete due to back pain from falling down a flight of stairs. Owens convinced his coach, Snyder, to let him run in the 100-yard dash as a test of his back. Owens completed the in 9.4 seconds, tying the world record. Owens put his back pain aside and competed in the rest of his three events. He set world records in each event. In the span of forty-five minutes, Owens set three word records and tied a fourth. This is considered, by many experts, the greatest athletic feat in history. (About Jesse Owens, 1) After having such an amazing year, Owens was named captain of the track team. He was the first African-American to hold that position on any Big Ten team. Owens was a great athlete but struggled inside the classroom. During his junior year Owens grades were so bad, he was academically ineligible to compete during the winter season. Owens sat out during every indoor meet in 1936. Owens was able to focus on his school work enough to bring his grade ups. Owens was eligible to compete in the regular outdoor season. (Haire,