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
Sports History On This Day: June 26
June 26, 1944 – A truly interesting and unprecedented time at the ballpark in New
Sports History On This Day: June 25
June 25, 1935 – He was not the champ yet but future world heavyweight champ Joe
Sports History On This Day: June 24
June 24, 1962 – It was the longest extra game in MLB history at the
Sports History On This Day: June 23
June 23, 1922 – The British Open Men’s Golf tournament at the Royal St George’s
Racing Camelot: Nigel Mansell
In 1993, team owner Carl Haas both surprised and shocked the Indy Car world
Do You Believe It? Dan Carlin of Hardcore History Knows His NFL History
Dan Carlin is the host of Hardcore History, one of the most popular podcasts
Sports History On This Day: June 22
June 22, 1981 – There are legendary moments in sports history captured on video and
Super Bowl XXXVII (Buccaneers vs. Raiders): An Ultimate Recount of the Game
Today we have Super Bowl XXXVII, which was held on January 26, 2003, in