Question

Character sketch of Jesse Owens

Answer 1

A feeble child watches as the rest of his family works in the cotton fields. He is the grandson of a slave, and his family is often unable to afford to feed him because they are poor. This child- Jesse Owens- is now remembered as a track and field legend. James Cleveland "J.C." Owens was born on September 12, 1913 in Danville, Alabama (Smith). He was later given the nickname "Jesse" after a teacher mispronounced "J.C.". Owens won a total of four gold medals in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, and he broke both Olympic and World records ("Jesse Owens"). In 1976 Owens was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Gerald Ford ("Jesse Owens"). A hero exhibits the character traits of work ethic, courage, and perseverance. Heroes must strive to do their best even in the most unimportant of situations, and a true hero will have the courage to stand up for what is right. A hero perseveres through any obstacle, regardless of how challenging it may be. Jesse Owens was the fastest Olympic runner of his time; however, his charitable deeds towards the poor, his courageous efforts in his competition, and his ability to persevere through racial barriers are what make him a hero. One of Jesse Owens's heroic traits was his compassion in his charitable deeds to the poor. In contempt of being on the verge of poverty himself, Owens, "[...]worked with youths, sharing of himself and the little material wealth that he had" ("Jesse Owens Olympic Legend"). Jesse Owens knew what poverty felt like because he was constantly facing financial issues. Owens was able to empathize with them, and he enjoyed giving to those less fortunate than himself. Most of all, Owens enjoyed helping others, especially young children. The one thing that made him happiest was helping those in need around him, and not gold medals or track and field. After he became famous at the Olympics, instead of boasting or training for the next Olympics, "[...]Owens found a job as a playground director working with underprivileged kids. The work would remain a passion" (Smith). Spending time around kids made Owens happy. He took pleasure in improving the lives of children because he wanted to be more than just an athlete- he wanted to positively influence the world. There were many other thing Owens could've done besides working as a playground director, but he made the choice to help his community. Jesse Owens was a hero not because of his status as an Olympic athlete, but because he inspired people with his actions to help the poverty stricken, despite being poor himself.

Answer 2

Answer:

Jesse Owens was an Olympic Champion and a strong short-distance runner. He was an athlete who was African-American. In the 100- and 200-meter sprints, the broad jump, and the 400-meter relay, he competed in the 1936 Olympic Games and took home four gold medals.

Explanation:

What sort of person was Jesse Owens?

In the 1936 Olympics, American track and field athlete Jesse Owens won four gold medals. At first, he seems like a serene, untroubled athlete. He anticipated winning one or two gold medals. He had his sights set on the long jump gold medal.

• In addition to his physical prowess, Owens was acclaimed as a hero in Germany and the United States for his elegance and ability to compete in front of the Nazi party leader. At those Olympics, Owens was a part of one of the most popular sportsmanship tales.
• Jesse Owens was a motivational Olympic runner. He gave everything he had to make a difference, pushing past any reservations and opposition to Nazi Germany. Jesse Owens was the grandson of a slave and the son of a sharecropper.

Facts to Know About Jesse Owens

• In college, he belonged to the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
• He was referred to as the "Buckeye Bullet" at Ohio State.
• In 1976, President Ford gave him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
• The best American track and field athlete receives the Jesse Owens Award yearly.

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