It was 1936. The Olympic Games were being held in Berlin, Germany, with Nazi leader Adolph Hitler in power. The “superhuman” German athletes were destined to dominate the competition. But U.S.A.’s track-and-field star Jesse Owens set out to prove them wrong. The Europeans had heard of the 5-foot 10-inch, 165-pound athlete whose famous high-stepping running style made it seem like he was “dancing on hot coals.” Many had never seen blacks before and were fascinated by the color of his skin. But what thrilled them even more was to watch Jesse race.
Owens broke three world records during that Olympics – in the broad jump, 200-meter race, and the 400-meter relay. He became the first American ever to win four gold medals at a single Olympics. Sadly, the sports star hit on hard times when he returned to America. Jesse was treated as a second-class citizen, yet he continued to show class and dignity.
“Life is a marathon…it’s how you run that marathon, not how soon you get to the finish line that matters.” – Jesse Owens
This biography by the magazine editors of TIME for Kids is filled with fascinating facts. For example, when he was born in 1913 on a cotton farm in Alabama, Jesse was actually named James Cleveland Owens. His first grade teacher misheard him when he told her his name; she thought he said “Jesse”. Young readers will find the magazine format of the book appealing and easy to read. It also includes historical and contemporary photographs, educational sidebars on topics like Olympics History and the Great Depression, and an interview with Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson (Track-and-Field). Johnson calls Owens one of the greatest and credits him with
“paving the way for all other African American athletes.” Recommended for sports fans of ages!
For another amazing biography about a sports legend, read
TIME for Kids: Jackie Robinson: Strong Inside and Out or about
Muhammad Ali: In Perspective (see links below).