Jesse Owens won the gold medal for the 100 meter dash on August 3, the first of four he would win at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Tradition called for the leader of the host country to congratulate the gold medal winner, but Hitler refused to greet Owens. | American Experience | PBS

Jesse Owens’ 100-meter performance at the 1936 Berlin Olympics was a historic moment in sports. On August 3, 1936, the African American athlete won the gold medal with a time of 10.3 seconds, defeating the competition in an event hosted by N*zi Germany. His victory stood out as a powerful counter to Adolf H*tler’s claims of Aryan superiority. Owens’ success didn’t stop there—he also claimed gold in the 200 meters, long jump, and 4x100-meter relay, cementing his status as one of the all-time grea

Jesse Owens's stunning triumph in Berlin at the 1936 Olympic Games captivated the world even as it infuriated the Nazis. Jesse Owens died on March 31, 1980. | American Experience | PBS

Jesse Owens' stunning triumph at the 1936 Olympic Games captivated the world even as it infuriated the Nazis. Tune in or stream JESSE OWENS Tue Aug 3 at 9/8c → to.pbs.org/3kK9e4m | American Experience | PBS