Jesse Owens Memorial

Ninety years since his heyday, Jesse Owens is still regarded as one of the greatest track and field athletes to have ever lived. He is perhaps most well-known for winning an unprecedented four gold medals in track and field events at the 1936 Olympic Games. He accomplished even more as a college athlete, however, winning eight titles in just two years, a record unbroken to this day.

Probably the most eventful single day of his athletic career occurred here at the University of Michigan's Ferry Field. May 25, 1935 was the day of Big Ten Conference's athletics championships. Representing U of M's rival, Ohio State University, Owens won four events in just 45 minutes. He set 5 new world records in the long jump, 220-yard and 200-meter sprint, and 220-yard and 200-meter low hurdles. Additionally, he equalled a sixth world record in the 100-yard dash. Most impressively, he managed to accomplish it all with a lower back injury.

Today, two small plaques at Ferry Field commemorate Owens's accomplishment. One of these is a World Athletics Heritage Plaque, commemorating places important to athletics history around the world. Curiously missing is any mention of OSU, perhaps to avoid the ire of local college students and fans.