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Jesse Owens

Jesse Owens Quotes

Olympic athlete

Jesse Owens, born on September 12, 1913, and died on March 31, 1980, was an American Olympic athlete renowned for his four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. His achievements, not only in sports but also in breaking racial segregation in the era of racial discrimination, have made him a legendary figure in the history of American and world sports.

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Famous Jesse Owens Quotes

“A lifetime of training for just ten seconds.”

“If you don't try to win you might as well hold the Olympics in somebody's back yard.”

Ifs Trying Wells Might Winning Advice Hockey Olympics Yards Olympic Games Olympics Games Olympic Medals Olympic Spirit

Author:Jesse Owens

“The road to the Olympics, leads to no city, no country. It goes far beyond New York or Moscow, ancient Greece or Nazi Germany. The road to the Olympics leads — in the end — to the best within us.”

Ends Country Cities New York Ancient Germany Olympics Nazi Greece Moscow Lead In Nazi Germany Ancient Greece

Author:Jesse Owens

“I wanted no part of politics. And I wasn't in Berlin to compete against any one athlete. The purpose of the Olympics, anyway, was to do your best. As I'd learned long ago from Charles Riley, the only victory that counts is the one over yourself.”

Long Running Wanted Purpose Challenges Victory Athlete Obstacles African American Over You Long Ago Olympics Berlin Olympic Games Olympic Athlete Olympics Games

Book:Jesse, a spiritual autobiography

Source: Jesse, a spiritual autobiography

“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.”

Ifs Want Trying Wells Might Winning Sports Prove Gold Athlete Carrie Olympics Yards Thrill Competing Medal Gold Medals

Author:Jesse Owens

“After I came home from the 1936 Olympics with my four medals, it became increasingly apparent that everyone was going to slap me on the back, want to shake my hand or have me up to their suite. But no one was going to offer me a job.”

Want Home Hands Jobs Sports Four Offers Athlete Shakes Olympics Medal Slap

Book:I Have Changed

Source: I Have Changed

“The only victory that counts is the one over yourself.”

Running Victory Over You Olympics Medal Gold Medals Olympic Games Olympics Games Olympic Medals

Book:Jesse, a spiritual autobiography

Source: Jesse, a spiritual autobiography

About the Author

Born: September 12, 1913
Died: March 31, 1980
Known for: Olympic athlete
Quotes: 54

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Sports Athlete Running Gold Medals Motivational Track And Field Black Olympics Track Ifs Medal Men Winning Gold Inspirational People Yards African American Determination Differences

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Books & Sources

Jesse, a spiritual autobiographyRelated source material

I Have ChangedRelated source material

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