12 September 1913 
Virgo 
Jesse Owens,
Runner,
United States
Before glory
He was called Jesse only because his southern accent made J.C. difficult to hear.
About Jesse Owens
African-American track star won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, winning in the 100m, 200m, 4x100m, and long jump. A year earlier, he set three world records in less than an hour while competing for Ohio State University.
Family Life
He was together with Minnie Ruth Solomon from high school until his death.
Friends and colleagues
He won four track and field gold medals at the 1936 Olympics, a feat not match until Carl Lewis did the same in 1984.
Fast facts
The Jesse Owens Award, named after him, is considered the highest honor for track and field athletes.
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