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
Brief Overview of Women’s Weightlifting History
The first USA Women’s National Championships were held on May 23, 1981, in Waterloo,
How Kylian Mbappe is becoming ‘Mr World Cup’ as France hunt down Argentina
The brace against Iraq came nearly three hours apart, either side of a weather
The Championship Games That Changed a League Forever
Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/yellow-and-white-trophy-_XTY6lD8jgM Some title games do more than decide who wins. They alter how
Why Golf Shoes Are One of the Most Important Pieces of Golf Equipment
Golf is a game built on balance, control, and consistency. While many players spend
The Evolution of Betting Activity Around Major Sports Events
Sports betting has existed for centuries and has evolved alongside some of the world’s
How The 1996 New York Yankees Shocked Baseball and Saved The Bronx
After winning four American League Pennants and two World Series in six years (1976–1981),
How Sports Betting Changed From Cash Windows to Digital Payouts
For much of the twentieth century, sports betting was tied to physical places and
Roulette formats available in online gaming platforms
The casino industry is undergoing a digital revolution, transforming traditional table games into cutting-edge