Jesse Owens won the gold medal for the 100-meter dash on August 3, the first of four he would win at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Tradition called for the leader of the host country to congratulate the gold medal winner, but Hitler refused to greet Owens. | American Experience | PBS

Jesse Owens's stunning triumph in Berlin at the 1936 Olympic Games captivated the world even as it infuriated the Nazis. Jesse Owens died on March 31, 1980. | American Experience | PBS

Jesse Owens' stunning triumph at the 1936 Olympic Games captivated the world even as it infuriated the Nazis. Tune in or stream JESSE OWENS Tue Aug 3 at 9/8c → to.pbs.org/3kK9e4m | American Experience | PBS