Jesse Owens

Athletics, United States. At the 1936 Berlin Olympics Owens won three individual golds, in the 100 metres, 200 metres and long jump, and a fourth in the 4x100 metres relay, where the American team set a world record that lasted 20 years. He and Ralph Metcalfe were added to the relay team shortly before the race in place of Marty Glickman and Sam Stoller, a decision that remains controversial.