It appears Jesse Owens was snubbed after his triumphant return from the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Owens received no telegram of congratulations for his record-breaking haul of medals. On his return, there was no invitation to the White House to shake hands with the President. That honour was reserved for white Olympians. Owens even had to attend a non-presidential reception in his honour with his mother at the Waldorf Astoria using the goods lift.

Owens returned home from the 1936 Olympics with four gold medals and international fame, yet had difficulty finding work. He took on menial jobs as a gas station attendant, playground janitor, and manager of a dry cleaning firm. He also raced against amateurs and horses for cash.

Owens was stung by this, but not surprised, after confounding Nazi racial theories at the Berlin Olympic stadium, it was hurtful to return to his homeland and find clear signs of similar attitudes.

It wasn’t until America began to change post-war, Owens was able to capitalise on his achievements by working as a sporting ambassador for the government. He accepted well-paid corporate jobs and made a a good living as a motivational speaker.