Luke3

1936 Olympics In 1936 Jesse took first for the 100 meters, 200 meters, and long jump at the Olympic Trials and headed for Germany favored to win all three. Hitler thought that the Olympics would be the perfect event to show that the Nazis had a better race than the rest of the world. He demanded that $25 million would be spent on facilities, the cleanest streets, and the temporary removal of all Anti-Jewish signs. Over 4,000 athletes from 49 countries arrived for the Games to compete in what would be one of the greatest Olympics ever. Owens, winning his three individual events and a fourth gold medal in the 4x100-meter relay, took the show. Hitler was so mad he refused to shake anyone's hand. In Fact, after the first 2 gold medals awarded to Owens, Hitler did not shake any athletes hands. The fact that four other African/Americans also won didn't make Hitler much happier. The Germans Loved Owens. They cheered despite what Hitler thought. Owens even befriended a few German Olympians during the events. Germany ended up winning only 5 gold medals in the track and field portion.