Jesse Owens: The man who ran right through racial barriers to become an Olympian

Owens was a track-and-field athlete who set a world record in the long jump at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin; with his numbers, he went unrivaled for 25 years. He won four gold medals at the Olympics that year in the 100- and 200-meter dashes, along with the 100-meter relay and other events off the track.

Quick Facts:

Born: September 12, 1913, Oakville, AL

Died: March 31, 1980, Tucson, AZ

Spouse: Minnie Ruth Solomon (m. 1935–1980)

Children: Beverly Owens, Gloria Owens, Marlene Owens

Height: 5′ 10″

Full name: James Cleveland Owens