Jesse Owens: Athletes Who Made a Difference

In 1936, Adolf Hitler attempted to make the Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany, a showcase of Nazi superiority with a new stadium and the first television broadcast of the Games. He didn't account for African-American sprinter and long jumper James Cleveland "Jesse" Owens, who smashed records throughout his track and field career.

Owens turned Hitler's Olympic vision on its head by winning four gold medals in the 100m, 200m, 4x100m relay and long jump. Along the way, he broke or equaled nine...