Jesse Owens Quotes

A collection of quotes by Jesse Owens.

Jesse Owens was an iconic American track and field athlete who became a symbol of hope and inspiration during a time of racial discrimination and inequality. Born on September 12, 1913, in Oakville, Alabama, Owens discovered his talent for running at a young age. He gained national recognition during his high school years and went on to attend Ohio State University, where he set numerous world records.

However, it was at the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games that Jesse Owens captured the world's attention. Despite Adolf Hitler's intended showcase of Aryan superiority, Owens stunningly won four gold medals—setting records in the process. His victories not only shattered the myth of Aryan supremacy but also served as a powerful message against racial segregation and discrimination.

Following his Olympic success, Owens faced struggles in professional athletics due to racial prejudice. He earned a living through various endeavors, including working as a playground janitor, racing against horses, and even as a racehorse trainer. Throughout his life, Owens remained dedicated to promoting the importance of equality in sports and society.

Jesse Owens remains an everlasting symbol of strength, determination, and the ability to triumph over adversity. He passed away on March 31, 1980, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that continues to inspire generations.

For a time, at least, I was the most famous person in the en

For a time, at least, I was the most famous person in the entire world.

Jesse Owens

Famous

A lifetime of training for just ten seconds.

A lifetime of training for just ten seconds.

Jesse Owens

Sports

People come out to see you perform and you've got to give th

People come out to see you perform and you've got to give them the best you have within you. The lives of most men are patchwork quilts. Or at best one matching outfit with a closet and laundry bag full of incongruous accumulations. A lifetime of training for just ten seconds.

Jesse Owens

Excellence

I always loved running -- it was something you could do by y

I always loved running -- it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs.

Jesse Owens

Enjoyment

Awards become corroded, friends gather no dust.

Awards become corroded, friends gather no dust.

Jesse Owens

Friends

To me, we must learn to spell the word RESPECT. We must resp

To me, we must learn to spell the word RESPECT. We must respect the rights and properties of our fellowman. And then learn to play the game of life, as well as the game of athletics, according to the rules of society. If you can take that and put it into practice in the community in which you live, then, to me you have won the greatest championship.

Jesse Owens

Society

One chance is all you need.

One chance is all you need.

Jesse Owens

Chance

We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into re

We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.

Jesse Owens

Determination

If you don't try to win you might as well hold the Olympics

If you don't try to win you might as well hold the Olympics in somebody's back yard. The thrill of competing carries with it the thrill of a gold medal. One wants to win to prove himself the best.

Jesse Owens

Winning Winners