On this day in 1913, American Olympic athlete was born in Oakville, Alabama

On this day in 1913, American Olympic athlete Jesse Owens was born in Oakville, Alabama. He is best known for his victories at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where he won 4 gold medals 🏅🏅🏅🏅 in track and field, much to the disappointment of the Nazi competition, who hoped to showcase their “master race”.

Merely a year earlier, Owens had set three world records and tied a fourth, all in one Big Ten meet.

Did you know? Jesse Owens’ given name was James Cleveland (abbreviated J.C.). The name “Jesse” stuck because of the way an elementary school teacher heard “J.C.” when Owens said it with his southern accent.

Owens helped launch the Adidas brand to worldwide fame – German shoemaker Adi Dassler saw the 1936 Olympics as an opportunity to promote his leather running shoes. He successfully lobbied for the German athletes and Owens to compete while wearing his shoes. 👟👟👟

Jesse Owens, Acme News Photos, July 12, 1936