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
The Years of Living Dangerously (Hockey’s Most Hated Players)
The 2021-22 season has been a somewhat eventful one for one Brad Marchand. As
Sports History On This Day: April 29
April 29, 1961 – It was the beginning of the “Thrill of Victory and the
Sports History On This Day: April 28
April 28, 1887 – Auto racing has its humble beginnings. French toymaker and engineer, Georges Bouton won
Sports History On This Day: April 27
April 27, 1983 – Houston Astros ace Nolan Ryan became the MLB leader in strikeouts with the
Sports History On This Day: April 26
April 26, 1966 – The legendary Red Auerbach retired as the Boston Celtic’s head coach.
1975 Dallas Cowboys Draft Class (Was It the Best Ever?)
1975 was supposed to be a season of rebuilding for the Cowboys. Veterans Bob
Horween Brothers: Their Lasting NFL Impact
In professional sports, there have been numerous examples of brothers leading their teams to
Sports History On This Day: April 25
April 25, 1901 – In what has gone down in history as one of the