Jesse Owens, Chapter 1
Clip: Season 24 Episode 7 | 10m 28sVideo has Closed Captions
His stunning triumph at the 1936 Olympics captivated the world and infuriated the Nazis.
The most famous athlete of his time, his stunning triumph at the 1936 Olympic Games captivated the world even as it infuriated the Nazis. Despite the racial slurs he endured, Jesse Owens' grace and athleticism rallied crowds across the globe. But when the four-time Olympic gold medalist returned home, he could not even ride in the front of a bus.
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Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
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Jesse Owens, Chapter 1
Clip: Season 24 Episode 7 | 10m 28sVideo has Closed Captions
The most famous athlete of his time, his stunning triumph at the 1936 Olympic Games captivated the world even as it infuriated the Nazis. Despite the racial slurs he endured, Jesse Owens' grace and athleticism rallied crowds across the globe. But when the four-time Olympic gold medalist returned home, he could not even ride in the front of a bus.
Problems with Closed Captions? Closed Captioning Feedback
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His stunning triumph at the 1936 Olympics captivated the world and infuriated the Nazis. (30s)
Video has Closed Captions
After victories at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Jesse Owens returned to a segregated America. (1m 35s)
A behind the scenes look at American Experience's biography "Jesse Owens." (2m 25s)
Jesse Owens in Hitler's Germany
Video has Closed Captions
Jesse Owens' victories at the 1936 Berlin Olympics were an affront to Nazi beliefs. (2m 7s)
Video has Closed Captions
Jesse Owens' success on the track didn't translate to fair treatment off the track. (2m 20s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship
Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.