JESSIE OWENS SETS OLYMPIC RECORD IN LONG JUMP
Berlin, Germany (JFK+50) On August 4, 1936, Jessie Owens* won the gold medal for the long jump at the Summer Olympic Games held here in Berlin.
Jessie Owens, an African-American track star at Ohio State University, set an Olympic record in the long jump of 26 feet, 5 1/2 inches, a record that stood for 24 years.
Jessie, known as 'the Buckeye Bullet' won eight individual NCAA championships while at Ohio State and is considered to be the greatest athlete in the history of track and field.
JFK+50 NOTE
As an African-American, Jessie Owens' four gold medals at the 1936 Olympic Games shattered the Nazi propaganda that white, blue-eyed blonde Germans were superior to other races.
*James Cleveland Owens (1913-1960) was born in Oakville, Alabama & his family moved to Cleveland, Ohio. When his name was recorded as his new school in Ohio, he told them "J.C." but the teacher thought he said "Jessie" & the name stuck.
SOURCE
"Jessie Owens Wins Olympic Long Jump," JFK+50, August 4, 2011, www.jfk50.blogspot.com/
