Jesse Cleveland Owens aka Jesse Owens was a track and field athlete whose name became legendary after the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Known for his incredible speed and determination, Owens amazed the world by winning four gold medals in a single Olympic Games. This is something that no athlete has done before.
Jesse Owens ruled the tracks at a time when race and politics divided the world. Despite the odds, he proved to be one of the greatest athletes of his time. Though it’s been years, since he passed away, people still get intrigued to learn about his career and success story. If you are among them, you will find the details in this post.
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Early Life
According to online records, Jesse Owens was born on 12th September 1913, in Oakville, Alabama to parents Mary Emma Fitzgerald and Henry Cleveland Owens. Coming from a poor African American family, he was the youngest of ten children.
Spending most of his childhood in poverty, he and his family relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, in search of better opportunities during the Great Migration. Back then, he was just 9 years old and knew nothing about the world.
From an early age, Owens showed a love for running. He had to work in his spare time to support his family, but his passion for sports remained strong. He attended Fairmount Junio High School, where he trained under coach Charles Riley.
Beginning of Career
Jesse Owens was a natural and didn’t take much time to become a standout athlete in high school. After completing high school, he enrolled at Ohio State University. However, he wasn’t allowed to live on campus or eat in the same restaurants due to racial discrimination.
In 1935, at the Big Ten Championships, Owens delivered the greatest performance in the history of track and field. In just 45 minutes, he broke five world records and tied a sixth.
Shot to Fame
The 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany, marked the turning point in Jesse Owens’ career. He participated in 200 meters, 100 meters, long jump, and 4×100 meter relay and became the first ever athlete to win four golds in one Olympic Games. Despite his victory, Owens received a mixed response from the U.S., where he continued to face racism.
Relationship
Jesse Owens married his high school sweetheart, Minnie Ruth Solomon, in 1932. They met when they were both students in Cleveland and fell in love at first sight. The couple had three daughters, including Beverly, Gloria, and Marlene. Jesse Owens passed away in 1980 at the age of 66 due to lung cancer.
Major Source of Income and Net Worth
Some websites claim Jesse Owens’ net worth at the time of his death was approx. $150,000. However, it is hard to confirm if these figures are correct as there is no solid evidence.
After his Olympic career, Jesse Owens faced financial struggles and was forced to take odd jobs to make ends meet. He lived a modest life and used his fame to inspire and educate other athletes.
