I wanted no part of politics. And I wasn't in Berlin to com… - Jesse Owens

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I wanted no part of politics. And I wasn't in Berlin to compete against any one athlete. The purpose of the Olympics, anyway, was to do your best. As I'd learned long ago... the only victory that counts is the one over yourself.

Jesse Owens

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About Jesse Owens

James Cleveland Owens (12 September 1913 – 31 March 1980) was an African-American athlete and civic leader; winner of 4 Gold medals in the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany; he used the name Jesse beginning in childhood, when he gave his name as "J.C. Owens" and was misheard.

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Also Known As: The Buckeye Bullet

Alternative Names: James Cleveland Owens • James Cleveland "Jesse" Owens

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Additional quotes by Jesse Owens

For a time, at least, I was the most famous person in the entire world.

I always loved running... it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs.

We'd get into these little towns and tell 'em to get out the fastest guy in town and Jesse Owens would spot him ten yards and beat him.

I wanted no part of politics. And I wasn't in Berlin to compete against any one athlete. The purpose of the Olympics, anyway, was to do your best. As… - Jesse Owens

About Jesse Owens

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Additional quotes by Jesse Owens