Jesse Owens | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : April 03, 2025

Who is Jesse Owens?

Jesse Owens, born James Cleveland Owens on September 12, 1913, in Oakville, Alabama, is widely regarded as one of the greatest track and field athletes in history. Owens rose to prominence as a sprinter and long jumper, setting multiple world records during his collegiate career at Ohio State University. He earned the nickname "The Buckeye Bullet" and became a national sensation, particularly after his stellar performance at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. There, he won four gold medals in events that included the 100-meter, 200-meter, long jump, and 400-meter relay, effectively debunking Adolf Hitler’s notions of Aryan superiority and making a significant cultural impact against a backdrop of racial discrimination.

Despite his historic achievements and temporary fame, Owens faced ongoing racial discrimination upon returning to the United States. He was met with indifference from political leaders, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and struggled to find employment despite his accolades. His experiences as a Black athlete in a deeply segregated society greatly influenced his perspectives on race relations, leading to a complex relationship with activism and civil rights. As his views evolved, Owens began to advocate for civil rights and provide insights into the social conditions affecting African Americans, thus leaving behind a legacy that extends beyond athletics into the realm of social justice.

Early Life and Education

Jesse Owens, born James Cleveland Owens on September 12, 1913, in Oakville, Alabama, was the youngest of ten children in a family of modest means. His father was a sharecropper, and his grandparents were formerly enslaved individuals. From a young age, Owens faced health struggles but was also required to contribute to the family's income. At just seven years old, he picked cotton, sometimes lugging up to 100 pounds a day. In search of better opportunities, his family relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, when he was nine, marking a significant turn in his life where he would discover his passion for athletics.

In Cleveland, Owens, who now went by "Jesse," excelled in school, an environment that was vastly different from his earlier experiences in Alabama. He attended East Technical High School, where his talent in track and field began to shine through. Owens quickly made a name for himself, breaking records in both the 100- and 220-yard dashes, as well as setting a long jump record, earning recognition as a nationally renowned sprinter. He later enrolled at Ohio State University, where despite facing racial discrimination, he made history through his remarkable athletic achievements. His prowess culminated in unprecedented performances, derailing the narrative of racial superiority during the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

Rising Track and Field Star

Jesse Owens, born James Cleveland Owens on September 12, 1913, in Oakville, Alabama, began his journey to athletic stardom from humble beginnings. After moving to Cleveland at the age of nine, he discovered his remarkable talent for running and quickly made a name for himself at East Technical High School. As a sprinter and long jumper, Owens set new records at the 1933 National Interscholastic Championships, showcasing his speed and agility. His performance caught the attention of college scouts, leading him to enroll at Ohio State University, where he would continue to break records and defy expectations.

While at Ohio State, Owens solidified his status as a track and field legend, earning the nickname "The Buckeye Bullet." In 1935, amidst a severe tailbone injury, he achieved an unprecedented feat by tying a world record in the 100-yard dash and setting a long jump record that would stand for 25 years. His dominance extended beyond individual events, as he excelled in both the 220-yard dash and the 220-yard low hurdles. By the end of that year, Owens had won four events at the NCAA Championships and triumphed at the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Championships, finishing an astounding 42-race season with a perfect record. His extraordinary talents not only laid the foundation for his historic Olympic successes but also marked him as one of the greatest athletes in history.

1936 Olympics and Its Aftermath

Jesse Owens dominated the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where he became a symbol of American athletic prowess against the backdrop of Nazi Germany’s racial ideologies. Despite Adolf Hitler’s expectations for the Games to showcase Aryan supremacy, Owens shattered those hopes by winning four gold medals: in the 100 meters, long jump, 200 meters, and 400-meter relay. He not only set two Olympic records but also reinforced the idea that talent transcended race. His incredible performances forced the world to recognize him as one of the greatest athletes, marking a historic moment during an era marked by prejudice.

However, Owens' triumphs were bittersweet. Upon his return to the United States, the hero's welcome he might have expected was starkly absent. President Franklin D. Roosevelt did not meet him, and Owens faced the harsh realities of racial discrimination, being relegated to riding in the back of buses and denied proper recognition for his achievements. Despite being the most famous athlete of the time, he struggled to find employment and financial stability post-Olympics, highlighting the profound hypocrisy in American society. Owens’ experience exemplified the challenging dichotomy between his Olympic success and the systemic racism that persisted in his home country.

Life After the Olympics

Jesse Owens faced a tumultuous transition after his remarkable success at the 1936 Olympics, where he had gained significant fame but little financial reward. Following his historic achievements, he was required to join an exhibition tour organized by the AAU. Unfortunately, he received no compensation for his efforts, which forced him into a challenging financial situation. Frustrated with the lack of support, particularly for a celebrated athlete, Owens opted to withdraw from the tour, which resulted in his ban from future competitions. This abrupt end marked a significant pivot in his life, as he sought to navigate a world beyond athletics while grappling with the race-related obstacles that plagued him.

In the years that followed, Owens struggled to find stability in his career. He left Ohio State University without graduating, facing mounting challenges in securing a consistent income. Despite his Olympic accolades, Owens often worked odd jobs, such as pumping gas and racing local amateur sprinters for money. He ventured into various business pursuits, including opening a chain of dry cleaning stores, which ultimately failed. Despite these adversities, Owens remained resilient, eventually finding work at Ford Motor Company, where he became a director for Black employees. His journey highlighted the complex interplay of race, achievement, and economic hardship in the United States during that era.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Jesse Owens married Ruth Owens, whose maiden name was Minnie Ruth Solomon, on July 5, 1935, in Cleveland, Ohio. Their relationship began in junior high school, highlighting a deep connection that lasted throughout their lives. The couple faced numerous challenges, including the racial discrimination that overshadowed Jesse's illustrious athletic career. Despite the hurdles, their bond remained strong as they navigated life together, supporting each other's aspirations and enduring the complexities of fame.

Together, Jesse and Ruth had three daughters: Gloria, Beverly, and Marlene. While Jesse Owens enjoyed widespread recognition for his athletic achievements, Ruth played a pivotal role in managing the family's affairs and ensuring that her husband's legacy endured. After Jesse's death in 1980, Ruth continued to champion his name by serving as the chairwoman of the Jesse Owens Foundation, an organization focused on helping young people develop their potential. Her dedication to both her family and Jesse's legacy underscores the significant impact of their partnership.

Net Worth and Earning: Salary

Jesse Owens, one of the greatest track and field athletes in history, faced significant financial challenges throughout his life, despite his remarkable achievements. After his groundbreaking performance at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where he won four gold medals, Owens returned home to a landscape fraught with racial discrimination. Although he was celebrated internationally, he struggled to find stable employment due to systemic racism that persisted even after his Olympic triumphs. The absence of financial endorsements and lucrative sponsorships, especially for a Black athlete during that era, complicated his attempts to sustain a comfortable lifestyle.

Owens's athletic prowess did not translate into lasting financial stability. Following his Olympic success, he participated in an exhibition tour organized by the AAU, which was exhausting and poorly compensated. When he opted out of that tour, he was disbarred from future competitions. He attempted various ventures such as owning a baseball team and running a dry cleaning business, but these initiatives did not provide the financial security he had hoped for. Owens famously stated, "I had four gold medals, but you can't eat four gold medals," highlighting the economic limitations he faced despite his athletic achievements.

In the years leading up to his death, Owens worked primarily as a public speaker and goodwill ambassador, which provided some financial relief. However, his net worth has been a topic of discussion, with estimates suggesting it was modest compared to his counterparts today. His legacy continues to thrive, as he remains a revered figure in sports history, particularly in the context of civil rights, despite the financial obstacles he encountered throughout his remarkable life.