Jesse Owens - Conquering the World through racial and
physical obstacles
Athletes have taken great strides all throughout this century but few can compare to those of Jesse Owens. He beat all of the odds and even went against what Hitler had in mind by taking part in the Olympics in 1936. This was a tough man who knew what he wanted to accomplish and set out to do just that.
Owens was born as the seventh child in a family of eleven in a small part of Alabama. Though born there he did most of his growing up in Cleveland, Ohio. His parents Henry and Emma were often concerned for his welfare when he was young, as he was always taking ill. Even still he rose above sickness and became one of the world’s greatest Olympians.
His name was not even Jesse at all, it was J.C. but as one of his teachers could not really understand him through his thick accent she began calling him Jesse and it stuck. He used to go wild on the playground at school, always getting into something and then one day, the greatest of his life he said, the junior high track coach plucked him right off of the playground and set him to work training for track meets.
He was known to attribute all of his future Olympic successes to that coach. That coach was Charles Riley and he changed Jesse's life and our history for all time.
Jesse Owens first started to make a splash in the athletic world in 1935 when he set world records in the long jump, the 220 yard dash and the 220 yard low hurdles. No other athlete in history has made such an indelible mark as Jesse did on that day in May. Even if he had not gone onto the Olympics he would be spoken of and revered to this day but it is our good fortune that he did indeed go on and he succeeded against all odds both physical and racial.
In the summer of 1936 Jesse owns arrived at the summer Olympics in Berlin. Even though there was hatred all around him in Hitler's Germany he fought hard and won a total of four gold medals. While Germany could only watch and grumble. One can almost see Hitler's face as he watched a black man - who he had depicted as anything but human in German propaganda - beat his pure blooded Germans.
Everyone was thrilled, well, the Americans were thrilled as Jesse's successes but the fourth race was not even supposed to be his. There were two Jewish men named Marty Glickman and Sam Stoller who were meant to run that race. Some have speculated that they were pulled not because they couldn't do it or even because Jesse was better per se but only because Hitler didn't want to be beaten by Jews. A black man was bad enough but he couldn't or wouldn't tolerate being beaten by Jewish people.
It may have worked out for the best though because not only did Jesse Owens win the relay event he set another world record. This was his last even at the Olympics and he went out with pride and success. Even the Germans were impressed and many of them asked him to sign something for them, which he did with grace and aplomb.
While the Germans seemed able to overlook his race the Americans apparently could not. Yes they had an awards benefit for him but he couldn't ride on the regular elevator to get to it, no that was not allowed when you were black. Instead he had to rid the freight elevator. America still had a long way to go before black people would be free of violence and oppression but in reality Jesse Owens started the ball rolling with his amazing talent and heart. He was a determined young man who fought against the odds to beat out all of his competitors and win.
His Olympic medals were not the last that he would see either. In 1976 he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Gerald Ford. This was a great honor and one that he cherished. Even after his death at age 66 he continued to win medals and honors such as the Congressional Gold Medal that was awarded by the president at the time George H. W. Bush. And Germany names both a street and a school after him.
Jesse Owens was a man of great strength, courage and character, he was someone that the youth of today can look up to as a hero and a role model and in this day in age that is quite a feat in itself.
www.olympics30.com
Athletes have taken great strides all throughout this century but few can compare to those of Jesse Owens. He beat all of the odds and even went against what Hitler had in mind by taking part in the Olympics in 1936. This was a tough man who knew what he wanted to accomplish and set out to do just that.
Owens was born as the seventh child in a family of eleven in a small part of Alabama. Though born there he did most of his growing up in Cleveland, Ohio. His parents Henry and Emma were often concerned for his welfare when he was young, as he was always taking ill. Even still he rose above sickness and became one of the world’s greatest Olympians.
His name was not even Jesse at all, it was J.C. but as one of his teachers could not really understand him through his thick accent she began calling him Jesse and it stuck. He used to go wild on the playground at school, always getting into something and then one day, the greatest of his life he said, the junior high track coach plucked him right off of the playground and set him to work training for track meets.
He was known to attribute all of his future Olympic successes to that coach. That coach was Charles Riley and he changed Jesse's life and our history for all time.
Jesse Owens first started to make a splash in the athletic world in 1935 when he set world records in the long jump, the 220 yard dash and the 220 yard low hurdles. No other athlete in history has made such an indelible mark as Jesse did on that day in May. Even if he had not gone onto the Olympics he would be spoken of and revered to this day but it is our good fortune that he did indeed go on and he succeeded against all odds both physical and racial.
In the summer of 1936 Jesse owns arrived at the summer Olympics in Berlin. Even though there was hatred all around him in Hitler's Germany he fought hard and won a total of four gold medals. While Germany could only watch and grumble. One can almost see Hitler's face as he watched a black man - who he had depicted as anything but human in German propaganda - beat his pure blooded Germans.
Everyone was thrilled, well, the Americans were thrilled as Jesse's successes but the fourth race was not even supposed to be his. There were two Jewish men named Marty Glickman and Sam Stoller who were meant to run that race. Some have speculated that they were pulled not because they couldn't do it or even because Jesse was better per se but only because Hitler didn't want to be beaten by Jews. A black man was bad enough but he couldn't or wouldn't tolerate being beaten by Jewish people.
It may have worked out for the best though because not only did Jesse Owens win the relay event he set another world record. This was his last even at the Olympics and he went out with pride and success. Even the Germans were impressed and many of them asked him to sign something for them, which he did with grace and aplomb.
While the Germans seemed able to overlook his race the Americans apparently could not. Yes they had an awards benefit for him but he couldn't ride on the regular elevator to get to it, no that was not allowed when you were black. Instead he had to rid the freight elevator. America still had a long way to go before black people would be free of violence and oppression but in reality Jesse Owens started the ball rolling with his amazing talent and heart. He was a determined young man who fought against the odds to beat out all of his competitors and win.
His Olympic medals were not the last that he would see either. In 1976 he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Gerald Ford. This was a great honor and one that he cherished. Even after his death at age 66 he continued to win medals and honors such as the Congressional Gold Medal that was awarded by the president at the time George H. W. Bush. And Germany names both a street and a school after him.
Jesse Owens was a man of great strength, courage and character, he was someone that the youth of today can look up to as a hero and a role model and in this day in age that is quite a feat in itself.
www.olympics30.com
All About The Olympic Games
The Ancient Olympic Games
When were the first Olympic Games?
The first known Olympic Games was recorded in around 776 BC in Olympia, Greece. They were celebrated until 396 AD.
What events took place in the Ancient Olympic Games?
The Ancient Olympic Games consisted of only one race, the "stade" race, which was the length of the stadium and between 180 and 240 metres long (we don't know for sure). Over the years more running races and other events were added, including boxing, wrestling, chariot racing, long jump, javelin and discus throwing.
Who took part in the Ancient Olympic Games?
Only young men could take part. They had to be free men, and speak Greek. They usually competed nude, and the prize was a crown of olive leaves (a sign of hope and peace).
Were women allowed at the Ancient Olympic Games?
Women were not allowed to take part. Married women were not even allowed to watch!
The Ancient Olympic Games
When were the first Olympic Games?
The first known Olympic Games was recorded in around 776 BC in Olympia, Greece. They were celebrated until 396 AD.
What events took place in the Ancient Olympic Games?
The Ancient Olympic Games consisted of only one race, the "stade" race, which was the length of the stadium and between 180 and 240 metres long (we don't know for sure). Over the years more running races and other events were added, including boxing, wrestling, chariot racing, long jump, javelin and discus throwing.
Who took part in the Ancient Olympic Games?
Only young men could take part. They had to be free men, and speak Greek. They usually competed nude, and the prize was a crown of olive leaves (a sign of hope and peace).
Were women allowed at the Ancient Olympic Games?
Women were not allowed to take part. Married women were not even allowed to watch!
The Modern Olympic Games
Who revived the idea of the Olympic Games?
A French nobleman, Pierre Fredy, the Baron de Coubertin, born in 1863. When he was young, Coubertin was a very keen sportsman. As he grew older he developed a passionate belief that sport could encourage peace throughout the world and bring people from all over the world together.
Coubertin was inspired by the ancient Olympic Games and travelled around the world, spending his own money, trying to persuade people to revive them. Eventually he managed to bring together representatives of many different countries in Paris, in 1894, and the Olympic Movement was begun
When and where were the first modern Olympic Games held?
The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens in 1896.
Did women compete in this first modern Olympic Games?
No! Women began to compete in 1900. For many years there were problems for the women athletes about what to wear, because it was considered very rude to show any part of the body or even the shape of the body! Can you imagine trying to run and jump covered from head to foot in clothes?
Who supervises the Olympic Games?
When Baron de Coubertin founded the Olympic Movement he established the International Olympic Committee (the IOC) to supervise it, in 1894. He himself served as its president for 29 years, and there have been 8 presidents since then. There were originally 14 members but the Committee has now grown to over 130 members, all of whom must speak either French or English. Existing members elect new members as required. The IOC is based in Lausanne, Switzerland.
What is the aim of the Olympic Movement?
"The goal of the Olympic Movement is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practiced without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play."
What is an Olympiad?
An Olympiad is the period of four years which starts with a summer Olympic Games. Each Olympiad is counted with Roman numerals, and the year of the Games cannot be changed (although Games have been skipped out, as in 1916 during the First World War).
Who chooses the next host for the Olympic Games, and how?
Members of the IOC choose the next venue for the Olympic Games, which must be a city rather than a country. So, for example, the next Olympics, in 2016, will be hosted by Rio de Janeiro, rather than Brazil. Any city which wishes to host the Games can put their bid to the IOC. Only one city from each country can bid, and even putting forward a bid takes a huge amount of work and is very expensive. It usually takes many years to prepare, and of course only one city can be successful!
Who selects each country's team of athletes?
Each country has their own National Olympic Committee (NOC). The NOCs represent their countries at the Olympic Games and select their own national teams.
What is the Olympic torch?
Prior to each Games, the Olympic Torch or Flame is lit in Olympia, Greece and brought to the host city by runners carrying the torch in relay.
Who revived the idea of the Olympic Games?
A French nobleman, Pierre Fredy, the Baron de Coubertin, born in 1863. When he was young, Coubertin was a very keen sportsman. As he grew older he developed a passionate belief that sport could encourage peace throughout the world and bring people from all over the world together.
Coubertin was inspired by the ancient Olympic Games and travelled around the world, spending his own money, trying to persuade people to revive them. Eventually he managed to bring together representatives of many different countries in Paris, in 1894, and the Olympic Movement was begun
When and where were the first modern Olympic Games held?
The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens in 1896.
Did women compete in this first modern Olympic Games?
No! Women began to compete in 1900. For many years there were problems for the women athletes about what to wear, because it was considered very rude to show any part of the body or even the shape of the body! Can you imagine trying to run and jump covered from head to foot in clothes?
Who supervises the Olympic Games?
When Baron de Coubertin founded the Olympic Movement he established the International Olympic Committee (the IOC) to supervise it, in 1894. He himself served as its president for 29 years, and there have been 8 presidents since then. There were originally 14 members but the Committee has now grown to over 130 members, all of whom must speak either French or English. Existing members elect new members as required. The IOC is based in Lausanne, Switzerland.
What is the aim of the Olympic Movement?
"The goal of the Olympic Movement is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practiced without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play."
What is an Olympiad?
An Olympiad is the period of four years which starts with a summer Olympic Games. Each Olympiad is counted with Roman numerals, and the year of the Games cannot be changed (although Games have been skipped out, as in 1916 during the First World War).
Who chooses the next host for the Olympic Games, and how?
Members of the IOC choose the next venue for the Olympic Games, which must be a city rather than a country. So, for example, the next Olympics, in 2016, will be hosted by Rio de Janeiro, rather than Brazil. Any city which wishes to host the Games can put their bid to the IOC. Only one city from each country can bid, and even putting forward a bid takes a huge amount of work and is very expensive. It usually takes many years to prepare, and of course only one city can be successful!
Who selects each country's team of athletes?
Each country has their own National Olympic Committee (NOC). The NOCs represent their countries at the Olympic Games and select their own national teams.
What is the Olympic torch?
Prior to each Games, the Olympic Torch or Flame is lit in Olympia, Greece and brought to the host city by runners carrying the torch in relay.
What is the Olympic creed?
"The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well."
Who wins medals?
The athletes or teams who come first, second and third win medals: respectively gold, silver and bronze.
Are the gold medals real gold?
No! They were solid gold until 1912, but are now silver covered with a thin layer of gold.
Why do we have the Olympic rings as the emblem of the Olympic Games?
The five interlocking rings (blue, yellow, black, green, and red respectively) of the emblem was originally designed in 1913 by Pierre de Coubertin, to symbolize the five continents of the world taking part in the Olympic Games (the Americas are viewed as a single continent, and Antarctica is omitted).
What is the Olympic motto?
"Citius, Altius, Fortius.", which is Latin for "Swifter, Higher, Stronger"
"The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well."
Who wins medals?
The athletes or teams who come first, second and third win medals: respectively gold, silver and bronze.
Are the gold medals real gold?
No! They were solid gold until 1912, but are now silver covered with a thin layer of gold.
Why do we have the Olympic rings as the emblem of the Olympic Games?
The five interlocking rings (blue, yellow, black, green, and red respectively) of the emblem was originally designed in 1913 by Pierre de Coubertin, to symbolize the five continents of the world taking part in the Olympic Games (the Americas are viewed as a single continent, and Antarctica is omitted).
What is the Olympic motto?
"Citius, Altius, Fortius.", which is Latin for "Swifter, Higher, Stronger"
The Olympic Games
"The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered, but to have fought well."
Olympic Creed
The Olympic Games, both summer and winter, are a wonderful opportunity to get the kids excited about sport, friendly competition, national pride and counting medals!
The next Summer Olympics will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2016. It will be the Games of the XXXI Olympiad. We will be updating Activity Village with a host of activities for the Rio de Janeiro Games nearer the time!
In 2012 London had the great privilege of being host to the Summer Olympic games for the third time in its history - the previous occasions being 1908 and 1948. London has been the only city ever to host three Olympic Games! A new 200 acre "Olympic Park" was been built in Stratford, East London, and many existing London facilities, such as Wembley Stadium, were used. Many of us were lucky enough to visit the Games, meet the wonderful volunteers and watch some incredible sport.
"The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered, but to have fought well."
Olympic Creed
The Olympic Games, both summer and winter, are a wonderful opportunity to get the kids excited about sport, friendly competition, national pride and counting medals!
The next Summer Olympics will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2016. It will be the Games of the XXXI Olympiad. We will be updating Activity Village with a host of activities for the Rio de Janeiro Games nearer the time!
In 2012 London had the great privilege of being host to the Summer Olympic games for the third time in its history - the previous occasions being 1908 and 1948. London has been the only city ever to host three Olympic Games! A new 200 acre "Olympic Park" was been built in Stratford, East London, and many existing London facilities, such as Wembley Stadium, were used. Many of us were lucky enough to visit the Games, meet the wonderful volunteers and watch some incredible sport.
Interesting Facts from the Ancient Olympic
Games
- The very first recorded Ancient Olympic Games took place in 776 BC. The event was a 'stadion' race - a foot race on a running track 183m [200 yards] long. The Greeks called this measurement a stade - from which we derive the word "stadium".
- Milo of Kroton, one of the greatest Ancient Olympic champions. He won the wrestling event 6 times, over a span of 34 years. [The famous wrestler Milo was said to train by carrying a calf every day. As the calf grew heavier, his muscles got stronger.]
- Did you know that all athletes competed in the nude at the ancient Olympics?
- The early Olympic Games included competitions for trumpeters.
- In the ancient Olympics, the philosopher Plato [427-347 BC] was a double winner of the Pankration. [Combat sport, a mix of wrestling and boxing].
- In ancient times married women were prohibited from watching the Games under penalty of death.
- In ancient times big sunhats were banned in the crowd, because they blocked other spectators' view.
Ten True and Funny Interesting Facts from Past
Olympic Events
- Rope Climbing took place in the following years: 1896, 1904, 1906, 1924, 1932. Rudimentary gym skills were all it took to win Olympic gold in the early 20th century it appears, as this event basically consisted of shimmying up a rope.
- Club Swinging occurred in 1904 and 1932. This consisted of swinging a club festooned with ribbons around your body and head. Strange but true.
- Tug-of-War between 1900 -1920. Indeed this trickiest of sports favoured by rather overweight beer drinkers in pubs was actually considered an Olympic event. We hear competitive tug-of-war gave way to another short-lived event: the 40m three-legged race.
- In wrestling at the Stockholm Games in 1912, the light heavyweight final between a Swede, Anders Ahlgren, and a Finn, Ivar Bohling, lasted nine hours. Since neither had gained an advantage over the other, no gold medal was awarded. Each received a silver medal.
- Motor boating was an official sport at the 1908 Olympics. It was frowned upon because the competitors were often out of sight of the watching crowds.
- Polo was played at the Olympics in 1900, 1908, 1920, 1924, and 1936.
- In 1912, in Stockholm, the first electric timing devices and public address system was used at the Olympics.
- Ralph Craig ran in the 100m for the USA in 1912. He next competed in the Olympics in the USA yachting team, some 36 years later in 1948.
- The key word "amateur" was eliminated from the Olympic Charter in 1971.
- American swimmer Michael Phelps holds both the record for most gold medals won at an Olympic Games- 8-and most career gold medals with 14.
Interesting History of Olympic Medals
1. At the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896, silver medals were awarded to the winners and bronze to the second place getters.
2. Olympic gold medals haven't been pure gold in years. The 1912 Olympics was the last time that gold medals were solid gold. Ever since, they've been silver with gold plating.
3. Starting in Amsterdam 1928, all Summer Olympic medals featured the same design: a Greek goddess, the Olympic Rings, the Coliseum of ancient Athens, a Greek vase, a horse-drawn chariot. Each host city then adds their own design together with with the year and the number of Olympiad. The host city has control over the design of the reverse side of the medal.
4. In 1900, in France, Olympian winners got paintings instead of gold medals. Gold, silver and bronze medals weren't given out until the third modern Olympics in 1904. The French gave the winners paintings because they believed they were more valuable.
5. Incidentally, more athletes than spectators attended the 1900 Paris Olympic Games.
1. At the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896, silver medals were awarded to the winners and bronze to the second place getters.
2. Olympic gold medals haven't been pure gold in years. The 1912 Olympics was the last time that gold medals were solid gold. Ever since, they've been silver with gold plating.
3. Starting in Amsterdam 1928, all Summer Olympic medals featured the same design: a Greek goddess, the Olympic Rings, the Coliseum of ancient Athens, a Greek vase, a horse-drawn chariot. Each host city then adds their own design together with with the year and the number of Olympiad. The host city has control over the design of the reverse side of the medal.
4. In 1900, in France, Olympian winners got paintings instead of gold medals. Gold, silver and bronze medals weren't given out until the third modern Olympics in 1904. The French gave the winners paintings because they believed they were more valuable.
5. Incidentally, more athletes than spectators attended the 1900 Paris Olympic Games.