Justin Gatlin has shared his profound admiration for Jesse Owens, noting how the legendary American sprinter overcame immense adversity and reshaped the sport of track and field.
In a recent interview, Gatlin explained why Owens holds a special spot in his personal list of top athletes. He emphasized Owens’s remarkable accomplishments and the challenges he faced during his career.
Gatlin spoke about Owens on the Ready Set Go podcast, saying, “Super honorable mention goes to Jesse Owens,” taking a moment to underline the significance of his words.
He continued, “He showed us that we can achieve something extraordinary, even when facing great challenges. Think about it, he did all of this in Nazi-controlled Germany. And what did he say to them? ‘I’m still going to do me.'”
Gatlin’s admiration for Owens went beyond just his achievements. “He could’ve easily said, ‘You know what? I’m not risking my life here. I’ll just take silver.’ But no, he didn’t do that. He did what he did,” Gatlin added.
With respect, Gatlin concluded, “Super, super honorable mention. Man, he’s beyond top five, you know what I mean? He did what he did.”
Owens, a symbol of excellence and defiance, became a global icon during the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. At a time when Adolf Hitler aimed to use the Games to promote Aryan supremacy, Owens, an African-American, shattered those notions with outstanding performances.
During the Games, Owens won four gold medals in the 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump, and the 4×100 meter relay, each victory not just a display of athletic skill but also a powerful defiance against oppressive ideologies.
Gatlin’s comments are a tribute to Owens’s lasting legacy. Owens’s achievements continue to inspire athletes and non-athletes alike, urging them to face challenges with resilience and determination.
