Jesse Owens
A larger than life-size portrait of legendary track athlete and OSU alumnus Jesse Owens Around his neck on full display, hang his four gold medals from the 1936 Olympic games. The figure of Jesse stands on the first place spot in full running attire. The other two positions on the podium bear his footprints, reminding the viewer that even he once stood behind the victor. It was through hard work, determination, and a constant competition with himself that he managed to climb to the highest position on the podium.
Plaque Text
""We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.""
Dates
Made: 2011
Additional Notes
Jesse Owens is one of the greatest athletes of the twentieth century. Apart from winning four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games in Nazi Germany, he is also known for breaking three world records and tying one in the span of 45 minutes at a Big Ten track meet in Ann Arbor in 1935. Part of Owens' legacy supersedes sports as well. He is known for having upset Hitler by completely destroying the narrative of Aryan supremacy by being a black man accomplishing historic feats of athleticism right in the capital of Nazi Germany. Unfortunately in his lifetime, he was faced with nearly insurmountable opposition despite his success, being snubbed by both FDR and Hitler after his Olympic victories.
Images
Location
2450 Fred Taylor Dr, Columbus, OH, 43210
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Statue
Type
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Public Art
Artist
Alan Cottrill