On May 9, the International Athletics Foundation will unveil a new plaque at Ferry Field in Ann Arbor to honor Jesse Owens’ incredible achievement. The original plaque dedicated to Owens was removed recently, and the new one will take its place as a tribute to his historic accomplishments.
In 1935, while competing for Ohio State University at the Big Ten Outdoor Track and Field Championships held on May 25th, Owens set world records in four events: the 100-yard dash, long jump, 220-yard dash, and 220-yard low hurdles. Despite battling injuries throughout his career, he continued to break more records and achieve great success in his athletic endeavors.
The new World Athletics Heritage Plaque will be unveiled on May 9th at 10 a.m., just a day before the start of the 2024 Big Ten Outdoor Track and Field Championships. The ceremony promises to be a celebration of Owens’ achievements and an opportunity for fans to pay tribute to one of history’s greatest athletes. While no official word has been given regarding attendance yet, there is hope that members of Owens’ family may be present for this special occasion.