June 20, 1936 – Faster than fast that was how many described him. Jesse Owens the American sprinter, was a legendary athlete and trailblazer for people of color. On this day over 80 years ago, Mr. Owens set the 100-meter record at 10.2 seconds while representing Ohio State at this NCAA-sanctioned event. The previous record was 10.3 seconds.
Think about that for a moment…100 meters is roughly 109 yards. The record for the 100-meter sprint that stands now is 9.58 seconds by Usain Bolt in 2009. Owens went on to win a total of 4 events at the NCAA championships of 1936.
Besides winning the 100-meter sprint he also claimed the ribbons at the 200-meter sprint, 220-yard low hurdles, and the broad jump too. Quite an athlete…quite a man.
To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.
More From Sports History Network
Marvin “Bad News” Barnes: The Nickname Explains It All
Marvin “Bad News” Barnes was a naturally gifted player who seemed to just be
Mark Morthier’s All-Time NFL List
As part of the NFL’s 100th anniversary, a team of 26 committee members selected
From Okinawa to Wrigley Field: WWII Vets Outflank Halas!
As we celebrate our first anniversary of “When Football Was Football” on the Sports
Super Bowl XIV (Steelers vs. Rams): An Ultimate Recount of the Game
Today we have Super Bowl XIV, which was held on January 20, 1980, in
New York Mets: World Series Appearances
It goes without saying that the New York Mets have not had anywhere near
Jay Berwanger: The NFL’s First-Ever Draft Pick (1936)
One of the most important innovations in the history of the National Football League
Super Bowl XIII (Steelers vs. Cowboys): An Ultimate Recount of the Game
Today we have Super Bowl XIII, which was held on January 21, 1979, in
1973 NFL Playoffs – A Year of Redemption for 3 Teams
Seemingly every year in pro football, or at least every few years, a couple