Natalie Giles

5-23-19

Jesse owens, an Olympic runner in the 1930’s, had an impact on society after the Berlin

Olympic games because of his personal bravery, the example he set and the inspiration he

provided to others by bringing attention to inequality of the time.

The athlete first planned to boycott the Olympics, but was daringly convinced by his

coach to attend. To do so, he had to disregard the political climate and focus his attention on his

talents. Owens had a negative experience in germany in the past but bravely chose to attend

regardless. The article states, “​the AAU wasn't the only organization involved in a moral tug of

war over the Olympics. Owens, who was black, was encouraged by a certain civil rights groups

to boycott the games. After deciding to go, you found a chilly reception in Germany, where

claims of Aryan supremacy we're central to Nazi ideology. He was called racial epithets and

subjected to other mistreatment.’ ​Owens was courageous for taking the steps to face a hostile

environment.

Jesse Owens’ stoicism at the track was inspirational and an example of black excellence

in the face of adversity. There are many ways to be defiant, and Owens’ strategy was a stark

contrast to Muhammad Ali’s words of protest as an athlete. He set an example because of the

way he pushed past the blatant hatred at the 1936 games. One could assume he was motivated by

his opponent, Latz Lang, at the long jump event, to compete at the best of his ability. If Lang

were to win, the public would have fuel to reinforce the white superiority ideas against all

minorities. The broadcast of the games made it clear that Hitler was only interested in the
success of the german team. A quote from the official Olympic Games website states, ‘Hitler

planned to show the world that the Aryan people were the dominant race, Jesse Owens proved

him wrong and sealed his place in Olympic history by becoming the most successful athlete of

the 1936 Games.’ In conclusion, Jesse Owens was a proud representative of black americans in

history and demonstrated black excellence through athletic skill.

At the time, Owens had a track and field teammate named Ralph Metcalfe, who won four

olympic medals and deemed the fastest human in the years 1934 and 1935. Soon after the

historical games, he transitioned out of his athletic career to pursue politics, for which he earned

a bachelors and masters degree. It can be said that Metcalfe's made a big influence in politics and

accomplished a lot for the black community. ‘​He eventually entered politics, winning election as

​ e was also a
alderman for Chicago South side in 1955 and as Illinois congressman in 1970. H

co-founder of the congressional black caucus, which helped more people of color get elected.

Jesse owens, sports and society connect to Ralph Metcalfe because the political environment of

the olympics and discrimination in the states. Metcalf made the most of his opportunity and

environment despite the struggles of the times, whereas jesse Owen took a different path and

chose a simpler life.

Jesse Owens changed society as a whole, even though his experiences immediately after

the 1936 Olympics were dominantly negative. He faced the negative conditions in Germany,

succeeded and demonstrated his athletic skill and influenced his track and field counterpart.

Owens’ memorabilia and accomplishments are displayed in the African American History

Museum in Washington DC as a recognized inspiration and influence today.