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
1968 Olympics Revisited (Weightlifting Medal Winners)
The 1968 Olympics were held in Mexico City in October. The Weightlifting was held
Tracing the Evolution of Athletic Scholarships: From Humble Beginnings to Modern-Day Opportunities
Athletic scholarships have been very important in the lives of many student players. But
1968 Detroit Tigers (A Historic Championship Season)
With baseball season in full swing, I thought I’d take a break from my
NFL Dynasties of the Super Bowl Era
NFL dynasties of the Super Bowl era (Photos sourced via Sportslogos.net) The NFL has
How Baseball Has Changed Over the Last 100 Years
Rule Adjustments Baseball has experienced numerous rule adjustments that have reshaped the sport. The
What Offense From the 1970s Would Best Fit In With Today’s Offenses?
Offensive football as we know it today employs a pass-first approach, and that is
(4 All-Time Weightlifting Greats) Paul Anderson, Tommy Kono, Ken Patera, and Naim Süleymanoğlu
Here’s a quick look at some of the accomplishments of four great weightlifters from
College Sports Betting Scandals in History
Today, over 30 states have legalized online sports betting, all with college sports teams,