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Jesse Owens is considered by many to be the greatest Olympian ever. Owens’ historic showing at the 1936 Berlin Olympics is the subject of a new film, Race, which stars Canadian actor Stephan James in the lead role, and makes its debut on Friday.

Owens was born James Cleveland Owens on September 12, 1913 to a family of sharecroppers in Oakville, Ala. A a sickly child at first, his athletic talent became obvious when he started running to school with his siblings. The Owens family relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, where Owens became a nationally recognized high school track and field star known for shattering records in the long jump and 100m dash events.

The future legend would continue his streak of wins and recognition while attending Ohio State University, amassing several Big 10 championships and breaking more records. He was invited to participate in the 1936 Berlin Games while still a junior after a stellar showing at the 1936 Olympic Trials in New York.

According to historical accounts, baseball legend Babe Ruth had encouraging words for Owens before he headed into the hostile environment of Nazi Germany. German leader Adolf Hitler touted his belief of Aryan supremacy and used the Games to try to prove his twisted theory. Owens made it his mission to prove Hitler wrong. That focus, along with his determined quest to be the greatest athlete of his time, led to his historic achievements at the games.

Little Known Black History Fact: Jesse Owens  was originally published on blackamericaweb.com

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