The Real-Life Inspiration Behind "The Express" and Its Depiction of Jesse Owens

"The Express" is a film that tells the powerful story of Ernie Davis, the first African American athlete to win the Heisman Trophy. But the movie also weaves in the broader historical context of Black athletes in America, and no figure looms larger in that narrative than Jesse Owens. Owens, a world-class sprinter, became a global icon of resilience and excellence during an era of deep racial segregation and discrimination in the United States. His legacy, though not the central focus of the film, provides a critical backdrop that enriches the story of Davis and the struggles faced by African American athletes.

This article explores the real-life inspiration behind "The Express," how the film portrays Jesse Owens, and why his story continues to resonate with audiences today. We'll also look at the historical accuracy of the film's depiction and the lasting impact of Owens' achievements on sports and society.

Who Was Jesse Owens?

Jesse Owens was born James Cleveland Owens on September 12, 1913, in Oakville, Alabama. He was the youngest of ten children in a sharecropping family. When he was nine, his family moved to Cleveland, Ohio, as part of the Great Migration, seeking better opportunities and escaping the oppressive Jim Crow South. It was in Cleveland that Owens discovered his extraordinary talent for running.

Owens shot to international fame at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where he won four gold medals in the 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump, and 4x100 meter relay. His performance was a direct challenge to Adolf Hitler's ideology of Aryan racial superiority. Owens became a symbol of hope and pride for African Americans and people around the world who were fighting against racism and oppression.

Early Life and Struggles

Growing up in the South, Owens experienced racism firsthand. His family faced economic hardship, and he often had to work odd jobs to help support them. Despite these challenges, Owens excelled in track and field at East Technical High School in Cleveland, where he set world records in the 100-yard dash and the long jump. He later attended Ohio State University, where he continued to break records and gain national attention.

Owens' college career was marked by both triumph and adversity. He faced racial discrimination on campus and during competitions, but he never let it stop him. His determination and focus on his goals made him a role model for future generations of athletes.

The 1936 Berlin Olympics

The 1936 Olympics were held in Nazi Germany, and Hitler intended to use the Games to showcase his regime's power and racial theories. Owens, however, had other plans. He won the 100 meters in 10.3 seconds, the 200 meters in 20.7 seconds, the long jump with a leap of 8.06 meters (26 feet 5 inches), and anchored the 4x100 meter relay team to a world record of 39.8 seconds. His four gold medals made him the most successful athlete of the Games.

One of the most famous moments of the Olympics occurred when Owens was competing in the long jump against German athlete Luz Long. Long, who was a rival on the track, gave Owens advice after Owens nearly fouled out in the qualifying rounds. The two became friends, and their camaraderie stood in stark contrast to the racial hatred promoted by the Nazi regime. This story has been told and retold as an example of sportsmanship transcending political and racial divides.

The Inspiration Behind "The Express"

"The Express" is primarily the story of Ernie Davis, a running back from Syracuse University who won the Heisman Trophy in 1961. Davis faced many of the same challenges that Owens did, including racism on and off the field. The film draws a direct line between the struggles of Owens in the 1930s and those of Davis in the 1960s, showing how little had changed in some ways, but also how much progress had been made.

The film's title, "The Express," refers to Davis' nickname, "The Elmira Express," after his hometown of Elmira, New York. But it also evokes the speed and grace of Owens, who was often called "The Buckeye Bullet" during his time at Ohio State. By connecting these two athletes, the film emphasizes the continuity of the African American experience in sports and the ongoing fight for equality.

Ernie Davis: A Brief Biography

Ernie Davis was born in 1939 in New Salem, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Elmira, New York. He was a standout athlete in high school, excelling in football, basketball, and track. He attended Syracuse University, where he became a star running back under coach Ben Schwartzwalder. In 1961, Davis won the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first African American to receive the honor.

Davis was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 1962 NFL draft, but he was diagnosed with leukemia before he could play a professional game. He died on May 18, 1963, at the age of 23, without ever playing in the NFL. His story is one of triumph and tragedy, and "The Express" captures both his achievements and his untimely death.

How Owens' Legacy Inspired the Film

The filmmakers of "The Express" have stated that Jesse Owens' story was a key inspiration for the project. Owens' victories in Berlin were a source of pride for African Americans during a time when they were still fighting for basic civil rights. His success on the world stage showed that Black athletes could compete and win against anyone, regardless of the racial prejudices they faced.

In the film, Owens' legacy is referenced through the character of Coach Schwartzwalder, who is portrayed as a mentor to Davis. Schwartzwalder had served in World War II and was deeply affected by the racism he saw in the military. He was determined to help Davis succeed, and he often told Davis about the courage of athletes like Owens who had paved the way.

Portrayal of Jesse Owens in the Film

While Jesse Owens is not a main character in "The Express," his presence is felt throughout the film. The movie uses historical footage and references to Owens to set the stage for Davis' story. In one scene, Davis watches a newsreel of Owens winning his gold medals, and it inspires him to push harder in his own training. This moment highlights the importance of role models and the power of seeing someone who looks like you achieve greatness.

The film also shows how the legacy of Owens influenced the civil rights movement and the fight for racial equality. Davis is shown participating in sit-ins and other protests, drawing strength from the example set by Owens and other Black athletes who refused to be silenced. The portrayal of Owens is respectful and reverent, emphasizing his role as a trailblazer and a symbol of hope.

Historical Accuracy of the Portrayal

Some critics have noted that "The Express" takes certain liberties with historical accuracy. For example, the film compresses the timeline of certain events and simplifies some of the complexities of Davis' life. However, the portrayal of Jesse Owens is generally considered to be accurate in spirit, if not in every detail. The film captures the essence of Owens' achievements and the impact he had on American society.

One area where the film is accurate is in its depiction of the racism that Owens and Davis faced. Both athletes were subjected to segregation, discrimination, and hostility from white fans and officials. Owens, in particular, faced significant backlash after the Olympics, as many white Americans were uncomfortable with a Black man being hailed as a hero. The film does not shy away from these uncomfortable truths, making it a powerful commentary on the racial climate of the time.

Themes of Perseverance and Breaking Barriers

The film's portrayal of Jesse Owens serves to reinforce its central themes of perseverance and breaking barriers. Owens' story is one of triumph over adversity, and it serves as a model for Davis and for all viewers. The film shows that success is possible even in the face of overwhelming odds, and that sports can be a vehicle for social change.

By including Owens in the narrative, the filmmakers also acknowledge the debt that modern athletes owe to those who came before them. Every Black athlete who takes the field today stands on the shoulders of giants like Owens, and "The Express" pays tribute to that legacy.

Legacy of Jesse Owens

Jesse Owens' legacy extends far beyond his athletic achievements. He became a symbol of the fight against racism and a source of inspiration for the civil rights movement. After the Olympics, Owens struggled to find work that matched his talents, but he eventually became a motivational speaker and a goodwill ambassador for the United States. He traveled around the world, promoting racial harmony and the values of hard work and determination.

Owens' story has been told in numerous books, documentaries, and films. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1976, awarded by President Gerald Ford. In 1990, he was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. His legacy continues to be celebrated today, and he remains one of the most iconic figures in sports history.

Impact on Future Athletes

Owens' success inspired generations of African American athletes, from Jackie Robinson to Muhammad Ali to Usain Bolt. He showed that Black athletes could compete at the highest level and win, even when the world was against them. His example gave hope to young people who dreamed of making a name for themselves in sports, and it helped to break down the barriers that had kept Black athletes from achieving their full potential.

In the world of track and field, Owens' records stood for decades. His long jump record of 8.06 meters was not broken until 1960 by Ralph Boston, and his 100-meter record was broken in 1968 by Jim Hines. His legacy as a sprinter and jumper is still felt today, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time.

Owens and the Civil Rights Movement

While Owens was not a political activist in the same way as figures like Martin Luther King Jr. or Malcolm X, his achievements had a profound political impact. His victories in Berlin were a direct challenge to the racist ideology of the Nazi regime, and they sent a message to the world that racial equality was not only possible but necessary. Owens often spoke out against racism, but he preferred to let his actions speak for themselves.

In his later years, Owens became more vocal about civil rights. He criticized the Vietnam War and spoke out against the treatment of African Americans in the United States. He also mentored young athletes, encouraging them to use their platforms to make a difference. His legacy as a pioneer for racial equality is an important part of his story.

The Film's Tribute to Owens

"The Express" pays homage to Jesse Owens in several ways. The film includes archival footage of his Olympic victories, and it references his influence on Ernie Davis. The movie also uses its soundtrack and visual style to evoke the era in which Owens competed, creating a sense of continuity between his time and Davis's. The film's message is clear: the fight for equality did not begin with Ernie Davis, and it did not end with him. It is an ongoing struggle that requires courage and determination.

The film also highlights the importance of remembering history. By including Owens in the story, the filmmakers ensure that his legacy is not forgotten. In a world where the achievements of Black athletes are often overlooked or minimized, "The Express" serves as a reminder of their contributions to sports and society.

Key Takeaways from "The Express" and Jesse Owens' Story

  • Jesse Owens won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, challenging Nazi ideologies of racial superiority and becoming a global symbol of athletic excellence.
  • His victories were a source of pride for African Americans during a time of widespread racial discrimination in the United States.
  • The film "The Express" draws inspiration from Owens' legacy, using his story as a backdrop for the narrative of Ernie Davis.
  • Owens' courage and determination paved the way for future generations of African American athletes, including Davis, Jackie Robinson, and countless others.
  • The film highlights the ongoing struggle for racial equality in sports and society, showing how far we've come and how far we still have to go.
  • Owens' legacy continues to inspire athletes and activists around the world, reminding us of the power of perseverance and the importance of fighting against injustice.

Conclusion

"The Express" is more than just a football movie. It is a film that tells the story of a man who broke barriers and inspired a generation. By including the legacy of Jesse Owens, the filmmakers deepen the narrative and connect it to the broader history of African American athletes. Owens' story of triumph over adversity is a timeless one, and it resonates just as strongly today as it did in 1936.

As we watch "The Express," we are reminded of the sacrifices made by Owens, Davis, and countless others who fought for the right to compete and be recognized for their achievements. Their stories are a testament to the human spirit and the power of sports to bring about change. Whether you are a fan of track and field, football, or just great storytelling, "The Express" is a film that will inspire and move you.

For further reading on Jesse Owens and his impact on sports and society, check out this biography and this Olympic profile. To learn more about Ernie Davis and his legacy, visit this Heisman Trophy page.