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
Historic Rivalries: Yankees vs. Red Sox Showdowns
The storied rivalry between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox extends
The 1977 Denver Broncos and The “Orange Crush Defense”
Whenever football fans talk about great teams of the past that failed in their
How UK Horse Racing Has Evolved Over The Last 100 Years
There are few more historic sports in the world than horse racing, with the
The Impact of Sports on College Students’ Academic Success
Whether or not sports participation affects the academic life of college students is a
1972 Olympics Revisited (Weightlifting Medal Winners)
Weightlifting at the 1972 Olympics occurred in Munich, Germany, from August 27 to Sept.6.
The Evolution of College Athletics: From Intramural Sports to NCAA Dominance
It’s amazing how much college sports have changed in the last 100 years. What
The Influence of Historical Sporting Events on Education Policies
Historical sporting events have an extensive influence on education policies as they enhance physical
6 Intense Sports Finals From The Past 45 Years
Sports finals are the pinnacle of athletic competition, where the highest stakes and the