“Jessie Owens faced adversity because of the color of his skin but went on to win four gold medals”. That is as far as this movie’s logline goes, but it doesn’t do it justice. I don’t think Owens’ triumph over German athletes defined who he was as a man. In truth, history leaves out so many things as it often does to make itself look good. Here are a few examples:
- Owens tried to capitalize on his success by trying to take up lucrative commercial offers
- United States athletic officials were furious and withdrew his professional status, ending his career immediately
- Those commercial offers instantly disappeared
He then went on a string of jobs:
- Owens then tried to make a living as a sports promoter
- He also ran a dry cleaning business
- Worked as a gas station attendant to earn a living
- He eventually filed for bankruptcy
- In 1966, he was prosecuted for tax evasion
- Eventually, the government appointed him as a US goodwill ambassador
- President Carter once stated “His work with young athletes, as an unofficial ambassador overseas, and a spokesman for freedom are a rich legacy to his fellow Americans.”
I don’t quite understand why “unofficial” had to be mentioned but that’s just me. He eventually died of lung cancer, probably from his pack-a-day smoking habit. This information is more interesting because it makes him human rather than a fairy tale hero who lived happily ever after. Then again, it’s also kind of sad when you imagine that he just wanted to live the American dream.
Race is directed by Stephen Hopkins and stars Stephan James as Jessie Owens, William Hurt and Jason Sudeikis. It opens on February 19th, 2016 in U.S. theaters. It opens in Germany on May 5th, 2016 and in The Netherlands on June 30th, 2016. There are currently no other dates available.
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