Jesse Owens was born in 1913 in Alabama. His family was poor, and Jesse worked in his spare time to support his family. Jesse was a fast runner and so he joined the school athletics team. He set a new schoolboy’s world record for the 100-yard sprint. While at university Jesse had to work to pay for his studies. He also faced racial discrimination and wasn’t allowed to live with white students .On 25th May ,1935, he broke four world records within 45 minutes : the 100-yard sprint, the 220-yard sprint, the long jump and the 220-yard hurdles. He was still a student! . At the 1936 Olympic Games Jesse won the 100-metre sprint, the 200-meter sprint , the long jump and the 400-meter relay . He also broke three Olympic records. It was a fantastic achievement.