Jesse Owens and the 1936 Berlin Olympics: A True Story

Jesse Owens at Ohio State University

At Ohio State University, Jesse Owens is a student running track, despite being a Black American facing racial discrimination and slurs from white athletes. He attracts the attention of coach Larry Snyder, who believes Jesse has poor posture but significant potential. Snyder recruits him for the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games. Jesse, who chose the university based on Snyder's reputation, is interested, though hesitant about racial propaganda in Nazi Germany. The U.S. considers boycotting the Olympics due to fears that Black and Jewish athletes may be banned, only agreeing to participate when Nazi official Joseph Goebbels gives personal assurances that there will be no ban and that Nazi propaganda will be controlled.

Balancing Athletics and Personal Life

As Jesse struggles to support his girlfriend, Ruth, and their young daughter, he takes a job at a service station, though Snyder is upset that this shows a lack of commitment. Snyder also lectures Jesse on not being distracted by the racism of the white football team. Jesse goes on to break world records, including some of Snyder's. After reconciling and marrying Ruth, the NAACP asks him not to go to Berlin out of solidarity with oppressed peoples. While conflicted, fellow runner Eulace Peacock urges Jesse to compete to defy Nazi racial ideology.

The 1936 Berlin Olympics

In Berlin, Jesse wins his first gold medal, only to be told Chancellor Adolf Hitler left the stadium early to avoid traffic and will not be able to give personal congratulations. Sensing the real reason for Hitler's absence, International Olympic Committee member Avery Brundage gives Goebbels a stern warning that Hitler must congratulate all winners or no winners, with Goebbels replying that Hitler will not appear with "that."

Jesse qualifies for the next event after German competitor Luz Long unexpectedly gives him tips on his technique. Jesse wins another medal, and Luz publicly shakes his hand, privately expressing concern about national politics. Jesse wins another medal after filling in for two Jewish American athletes cut by Brundage due to his corrupt collaboration with the Nazis. Following this, Triumph of the Will director Leni Riefenstahl takes final shots of Jesse's jumps to immortalize his achievements.

Historical Context and Achievements

• The Nazi government used sport to strengthen the “Aryan race,” while “Non-Aryans”—Jewish, part-Jewish, or Gypsy athletes—were systematically excluded from Nazi-sponsored sports facilities.
• At the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany, Owens won international fame with four gold medals: 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump, and 4 × 100 meter relay.
• Avery Brundage was bribed; his Chicago construction firm was promised the contract to build the German embassy in Washington if he maintained a "friendly attitude" toward German sports.