Ohio State Buckeyes: Jesse Owens’ record broken, but not his legacy

18th March 1938: Jesse James Cleveland Owens (1913 - 1980) on the left, an American athlete, the greatest sprinter of his generation who won four gold medals at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, pictured here with Ralph Metcalfe (1910 - 1978). (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)
18th March 1938: Jesse James Cleveland Owens (1913 - 1980) on the left, an American athlete, the greatest sprinter of his generation who won four gold medals at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, pictured here with Ralph Metcalfe (1910 - 1978). (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images) /
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Ohio State legend Jesse Owens’ track and field accomplishments were numerous and one of his records even stood for 80 years.

Growing up a track and field fan I had my favorite stars who could run fast and jump high, but I was well aware of accomplishments of guys like Ohio State legend Jesse Owens and Jim Thorpe. The records they set decades before I was born were impressive to say the least.

But I have to admit when it was reported a few days ago that one of Owens’ school records had just been broken I was taken aback. Sprinter Nick Gray ran a 10.17 100 meter dash breaking Jesse’s record of 10.20.

Can you even imagine a track and field record holding up for 80 years?

Track shoes, surfaces and training have improved so much since Owen tied up his laces it’s unbelievable. And how many sprinters took a shot at the record before Gray finally broke it?

Having a record that stood for that long just adds to Jesse Owens’ legacy which may be unmatched in track and field circles.

He set three world records and tied another in the 1935 Big Ten track meet in less than an hour. How could anyone recuperate that fast to win all let alone break records in the process?

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Then America was proud when he won four gold medals during the 1936 Olympic games. With all of his accomplishments, there is no wonder the Jesse Owens Award is given to the year’s best track and field athlete.

I would be remiss if I didn’t give credit to Nick Gray though. According to FanBuzz.com he also broke the school record in the 200 meter with a time of 20.20.

It was also reported in the article Gray has won eight Big Ten Championships as well. Congrats to the young man for such an outstanding career. I’m sure the legendary Buckeye would be proud his record was broken by such a competitor.

Next. Why Dwayne Haskins should get deserved respect. dark

Well, Jesse Owens may no longer be considered the fastest Ohio State sprinter ever. But the fact he was for eight decades just proves how great he was, and always will be in the minds and hearts of Buckeye fans.