Unveiling a Legacy: The New Jesse Owens Plaque at Ferry Field in Ann Arbor

On May 9th at 10 a.m., Ferry Field in Ann Arbor will host the unveiling of a new plaque honoring Jesse Owens, the legendary Olympian who broke four world records in less than 45 minutes at the field during the 1935 conference championships. The International Athletics Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving historic track and field moments, has commissioned the replacement of the original plaque dedicated to Owens in 1985 with a World Athletics Heritage Plaque.

Jesse Owens’ remarkable achievements at Ferry Field included breaking multiple world records in quick succession despite battling an injury. His accomplishments in the 100-yard dash, long jump, 220-yard dash, and 220-yard low hurdles are still celebrated today. After his impressive performance at Ferry Field, Owens went on to win four gold medals at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany, with Adolph Hitler in attendance.

The International Athletics Foundation aims to highlight historical moments like Owens’ achievements and preserve them for future generations. The new plaque will serve as a reminder of Owens’ incredible accomplishments and inspire others to pursue their dreams.

Ferry Field is located off South State Street in Ann Arbor and is home to many track and field events throughout the year. The unveiling ceremony will coincide with the 2024 Big Ten Outdoor Track and Field Championships, adding another special event to this already significant day for fans of track and field history.

To stay updated on news like this or learn more about Jesse Owens’ achievements at Ferry Field, sign up for our weekly newsletter Michigan Schools or bookmark our local Ann Arbor news page for more Ann Arbor-area updates.