Who was the first athlete to break the 8-meter mark in the long jump?

Jesse Owens

Jesse Owens, an athletics legend, achieved a historic feat at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by becoming the first man to break the 8-meter barrier in the long jump, with a leap of 8.06 meters. This performance was all the more remarkable as it came in a context of political tension, with Owens challenging Nazi racial theories through his exceptional performances. His feat not only established a new Olympic record but also sent a powerful message of resilience and equality around the world. Owens became a symbol of defiance against oppression, underscoring the importance of sport as a means of bringing people together and fighting prejudice. His performance in Berlin remains one of the most memorable in the history of athletics, demonstrating the power of sport to transcend social and political barriers.