On this day, James Cleveland “Jesse” Owens, while representing Ohio State University in a Big Ten track-and-field meet held at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, delivered one of the most extraordinary performances in sports history. Within a span of just 45 minutes, Owens equaled the world record for the 100-yard dash at 9.4 seconds and shattered world records in three other events: the 220-yard dash (20.3 seconds), the 220-yard low hurdles (22.6 seconds), and the long jump (26 feet, 8¼ inches)—a record that stood for 25 years. Owens’ feat is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletic achievements of the 20th century.
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