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Jesse Owens
Owens Olympic Race Jesse Owens was one of the first Afrian Americas involved with track and field in the USA. Owens competed in the long-jump, 100-meter and 200-meter dash, and also the 4 by 100- meter relay. During the Olympics he took 4 Gold medals and also recieved the Medal of Freedom. The Medal of Freedom being the highest award a U.S. citizen can receive, for the goals he accomplished. -
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African Americans in Sports
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Althea Gibson
Althea Gibson opened the doors for A.A women’s tennis, and proved that A.A also dominate in the tennis court. In 1950 Gibson played at the US Nationals, and in 1957 she won the US Nationals and Wimbledon. Her win at Wimbledon made her the first A.A to achieve this award, and became the top tennis player. -
Jakie Robinson
Jakie Robinson, was the first African AMerican to play in the MLB. At first he was not allowed to play because he was black, so just played with a local league. In 1945, Robinson signed withthe Dodgers and played his first game on April 15, 1947. At first he was disliked but with his talent he won peoples support. Without doubt Robinson opened the doors to other Affican American athletes. -
Wilma Rudolph
Wilma RudolphWilma Rudolph, in her career was the world’s fastest runner. Rudolph was born with Polio and with the help of leg braces and encouragement to walk got her to the Olympics. Her family was a very athletic family and started to play basketball, until coach Temple discovered her hidden talents. At a very young age one a bronze medal on a 4 by 100m relay and by the summer of 1960 she won 3 gold Olympic medals. This makes her an inspiration to many more A.A women athletes in all sports. -
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali was one of the most prominent AA boxers that changed the boxing industry. His career started in 1960, where he won his first fight. Muhammad had a very unique style and fought with his hands down and relied on his foot speed and precise punches. Muhammad became the first Boxer to win the heavyweight title three times. Retired in 1981 because of his diagnostic of Parkinson’s disease, and now helps to raise awareness of the disease and raises money. -
Michael Jordon
Michael Jordon is considered one of the best basketball players of all times, and also was very successful in his production of merchandise. At first Jordan was turned done because of his height, he was 5’11’’ and the coach decided to pick someone else to play. On average Every time Jordan played he would score 20 points per game. Jordan would show off slam-dunks, and earning his nickname Air Jordan. -
Lynette Woodard
Lynette Woodard was the first woman on the Harlem Globetrotters basketball team. She played basketball in college for the University of Kansas and averaged 26 points per game. Also was given the chance to play for the United States Olympic team and brought home a gold medal. Had a very successful playing career and retired in 1999 and became the assistant coach at the university of Kentucky. -
Serena Williams
Serena Williams is our modern day tennis player, and has been the number one tennis player on many occasions. Serena is the only A.A who has 27 Grand Slam titles and two Olympic gold medals. In the US Serena and Venus are the most well known AA tennis players, and with their dedication they has conquered the tennis fans. -
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods became a professional golfer in the summer of 1996. Tiger is of both Asian decent and African decent. Tiger is considered the best golfer, with his astonishing number of 95 won tournaments. He was also the youngest golfer at age 21 to win his first major championship, and has set record on the low score. Golf is not considered to be a African American game but with Tiger, he opened doors to all young black people. -
Sylvester Croom
Sylvester Croom, was the first African American in the southeastern conference to be a head coach for a football team. Croom started coaching at Mississippi State University, and worked very well with all players. Despite the large participation of African American players in football, and yet there were very few head coaches in the NFL.
