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
Pro Football Hall of Fame Talk (w/ Vinny Lospinuso)
Vinny Lospinuso rides shotgun in the DeLorean with me this week to talk all
1970s Cincinnati Reds – “The Big Red Machine”
Their nickname, “Big Red Machine,” was no exaggeration. After winning the National League pennant
Sports History On This Day: June 14
June 14, 1934 – It was a BIG night on the fight card at Madison
Sports History On This Day: June 13
June 13, 1890 – An American won the US National Championship Women’s Tennis at the
The Big Muddies: Two of the Muddiest Games in NFL Playoff History
The NFL saw two of its muddiest playoff games of all time during the
Sports History On This Day: June 12
June 12, 1955 – Tragedy occurred at one of the racing world’s greatest spectacles, the
Sports History On This Day: June 11
June 11, 1903 – It was a matter of sibling rivalry, well sort of. At
Sports History On This Day: June 10
June 10, 1944 – The youngest player in MLB history makes his debut. Relief pitcher