Jesse Owens

Jesse Owens

Athletes Who Made a Difference

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Read by: Book Buddy Digital Media

Language: English

Length: 14 minutes

Publisher: Lerner Digital ™

Release date: 2021-01-01

In 1936, Adolf Hitler attempted to make the Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany, a showcase of Nazi superiority with a new stadium and the first television broadcast of the Games. He didn't account for African American sprinter and long jumper James Cleveland "Jesse" Owens, who smashed records throughout his track and field career.

Owens turned Hitler's Olympic vision on its head by winning four gold medals in the 100m, 200m, 4x100m relay, and long jump. Along the way, he broke or equaled nine Olympic records and set three world records. This biography takes listeners from Owens' early life to his historic athletic triumphs.