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

Celebrating 25 Years Since One of the Greatest – And Most Unexpected – Super Bowl Games In History
The Super Bowl is an occasion never shy of razzmatazz anyway, but the 2000

Manchester United v. Juventus, UCL 1999: A Game That Changed Soccer History
There were many thrilling games and moments throughout the 26-year tenure of Sir Alex

Weight Training For People With Limited Time
One of the biggest excuses I hear from people when I try to get

Winning with Purpose: Proven Football Betting Strategies That Deliver Real Results
Smart soccer betting is no longer about luck—it’s about strategy, insight, and timing. Many

Relive The 1980 Philadelphia Eagles Season (NFC Champions)
Before we get to the 1980 season, let’s take a look at some team

Discussing the 1975 NFC Championship Game
On January 4, 1976, the Cinderella Dallas Cowboys traveled to the Los Angeles Memorial

Free Hit: 3 Teams with Big Odds that Can Compete in the NBA this Season
As the 2024/25 NBA season gets underway, it’s not exactly a secret that the

The History of Legal Sports Betting Age in New Zealand
New Zealand has a unique standpoint when it comes to gambling. It views the