Olympic legend Jesse Owens to be honoured with World Athletics Heritage Plaque at Ferry Field – Jeff Hollobaugh for World Athletics Heritage

Dear friends of the MOWA, – The Day of Days, when the legendary Jesse Owens came to the University of Michigan’s Ferry Field on 25 May 1935 and set four world records in a 45-minute span, will be commemorated in a ceremony on Thursday 9 May, open to the public.

The location in Ann Arbor will be honoured with the unveiling of a World Athletics Heritage Plaque, the highest honour given to mark one of the sport’s most important performances.

The plaque will be revealed by Marlene Dortch, the granddaughter of Owens, along with representatives of the Michigan and Ohio State track & field teams.

PHOTO: Jesse Owens and the singlet which made world record history on 25 May 1935

Just what did Owens do on that perfect day on Ferry Field’s cinder track?

First, at 3:15 he won the 100 yards in a record-tying 9.4. Ten minutes later, he took his only long jump of the day, adding 6 inches to the world record with his 26-8.25 (8.13m).

At 3:45, he ran the 220-yards, and sliced 0.3 off the world record with his 20.3. That mark actually counted for two world records, as the race was a few inches longer than the 200-meter international standard and bettered that mark as well.

Finally, at 4pm, he ran the 220-yard low hurdles in 22.6, slashing 0.4 off that world record, again getting credit for the 200m mark. Owen’s long jump record lasted 25 years.

The next, Owens won an unprecedented four gold medals at the Berlin Olympics, a major triumph at a Games that the ruling Nazis had hoped would be a demonstration of white supremacy.

The presentation, as fitting, will happen the day before Michigan hosts the Big 10 Championships for the first time at its new track & field facility on 10-12 May.

Jeff Hollobaugh for World Athletics Heritage

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