Jesse Owens

Olympic athlete, Berlin 1936

Modern influential 87 sayings

Sayings by Jesse Owens

We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.

1970s — Attributed, often cited in motivational contexts
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

Friendships born on the field of athletic strife are the real gold of competition. Awards become tarnished. Trophies gather dust. Friendships last forever.

1970s — Attributed, often cited
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I let my feet speak.

1936 — Response to questions about his performance and political implications at the 1936 Olympics
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Hitler didn't snub me – it was FDR who snubbed me. The president didn't even send me a telegram.

1960s-1970s — Interview, expressing disappointment with President Roosevelt's lack of recognition after the 1936 O…
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I wasn't running against Hitler, I was running against the best athletes in the world.

1960s-1970s — Interview, downplaying the political narrative of the 1936 Olympics
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

The only way to beat a racist is to outrun him.

1930s-1940s — Attributed, often cited in discussions of his athletic achievements
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

You can't eat medals.

1930s-1940s — Reflecting on his financial struggles after the 1936 Olympics despite his fame
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

For a time, I was a national hero. But then I came home, and I was just another colored man.

1960s-1970s — Interview, describing the reality of racial discrimination in the US after his Olympic triumph
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I was not invited to the White House to shake hands with the President.

1960s-1970s — Interview, referring to FDR after the 1936 Olympics
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The road to success is always under construction.

1970s — Attributed, often cited in motivational contexts
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I always loved to run. It was an escape from everything else.

1970s — Interview
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

One chance is all you need.

1970s — Attributed, often cited in sports contexts
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

My family was so poor that I didn't get to wear shoes until I was 7 years old.

1970s — Interview, describing his childhood
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

When I came back to my native country, after all the stories about Hitler, I couldn't ride in the front of the bus. I had to go to the back door. I couldn't live where I wanted. I wasn't invited to shake hands with Hitler, but I wasn't invited to the White House to shake hands with the President, either.

1960s-1970s — Interview, highlighting the irony of his reception in the US versus Germany
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I realized a long time ago that you don't have to be a big man to be a giant.

1970s — Attributed, often cited in motivational contexts
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The only way to prove yourself is to perform.

1970s — Attributed
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I learned that there is no shortcut to success.

1970s — Attributed
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.

1970s — Attributed, though often misattributed to Lincoln, Owens' usage is documented.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I always kept my eyes on the finish line.

1970s — Attributed
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.

1970s — Attributed, often cited in motivational contexts
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable