Race 2016

As the 1930s dawn on Cleveland, Ohio, a youthful African American named Jesse Owens (Stephen James) bursts through the city’s gritty streets, his footsteps echoing through the impoverished neighborhoods. With a sense of restlessness propelling him forward, Jesse hastens towards his childhood home, where he’s preparing to bid farewell to his parents and embark on a new chapter at college. As he scours the room for his only shirt, his mother, beaming with pride at her eldest son’s impending departure, meticulously tailors a bespoke suit coat, her hands moving with purpose as she imparts words of wisdom: “You were meant to achieve great things, Jesse.” His father, though initially hesitant about the expense, ultimately relents, and Jesse departs with a mix of emotions, leaving behind an envelope containing $2.

Meanwhile, across the country, a different kind of struggle unfolds. Coach Larry Snyder (Jason Sudeikis) at Ohio State University is grappling with the consequences of his team’s dismal performance at a recent track meet. The radio commentators are left wondering if the esteemed coach is on the verge of losing his job due to a lack of national wins during his tenure. As tensions simmer, Larry retreats to his office, his secretary arriving with the day’s schedule and a folder filled with “fresh blood” – promising young athletes, including Jesse Owens.

As Jesse prepares to leave for Ohio State, he pays a visit to his loved ones, first stopping by the salon where his girlfriend, Ruth (Shanice Banton), tends to her clients. Jesse’s arrival garners a stern glance from Ruth’s boss, but Jesse reassures her that better times are ahead and that he’ll return to marry her. His friend Dave (Eli Goree), also headed to Ohio State, urges Jesse to hurry up and catch the bus before it leaves. With a final goodbye, Jesse boards the vehicle, finding himself relegated to the colored section.

Upon arriving at the university, Jesse and his friend Dave hit the track for a jog under the watchful eye of Coach Snyder. Following their workout, they head to the locker room, only to be delayed by the all-white football team’s arrival. The athletes, fueled by bigotry, taunt Dave and Jesse, forcing them to yield to their demands. While waiting for their turn in the showers, a young man interrupts Jesse with an urgent message from Coach Snyder: “Jesse needs to report to my office.” With his body still reeking of sweat and grime, Jesse hastily dresses and makes his way to Larry’s office, the weight of his new reality settling in.

As Jesse steps into the office, Larry greets him with an air of familiarity, yet Jesse’s gaze lingers elsewhere, avoiding direct eye contact. The coach’s invitation to take a seat in the chair opposite him only heightens Jesse’s unease. The conversation begins with small talk about past triumphs, but it quickly turns to the topic of performance and protocol. Larry emphasizes the importance of maintaining eye contact when communicating with others, citing that records alone are insufficient. Jesse stands by his abilities, pointing to his impressive statistics, but Larry counters, “Records don’t mean a thing unless you’re willing to put in the work.” The coach’s words hang in the air as he gazes at a framed photograph of the 1924 Olympic track team from Paris. When Jesse inquires about its significance, Larry reveals it is, indeed, the Olympic team from Paris, and he himself was not part of it. However, his eyes gleam with intensity as he asks Jesse to join him in Berlin for the 1936 Summer Games, demanding total commitment: “When you’re not in class, you belong on the track.” The air is thick with expectation.

On the Ohio State University track, Coach Larry’s words still linger as Jesse takes to the field. The coaches clock his time in the 100-meter dash, noting that while he starts strong, his positioning is subpar. Yet, his speed is undeniable, registering a respectable 9-point-something seconds. The coaches’ faces light up with approval.

Meanwhile, in New York City, the United States Olympic Committee convenes to discuss the growing concerns surrounding Germany’s Nazi regime and its potential impact on the upcoming 1936 games in Berlin. After heated debate, they decide to send Avery Brundage (Jeremy Irons) as a delegate to assess the situation and ensure fair play. Although somewhat hesitant, Brundage is driven by his desire to move forward with the games, downplaying rumors of German discrimination against Jews.

Back at Ohio State, Jesse pours his heart out in a letter to Ruth, detailing his grueling training regimen, his part-time job at a gas station, and the struggle to balance practice, work, and school. Amidst the chaos, he finds solace in his upcoming marriage plans, having applied for a marriage license and sent her $2 as a token of his commitment. The letter is a testament to Jesse’s resilience and dedication.

As tensions simmered between Coach and Jesse, the latter’s absence from practice was met with frustration rather than understanding. Jesse’s explanation of his responsibilities as a father, coupled with Larry’s shock at learning about his daughter, served as a poignant reminder that life outside the realm of sports was just as important. This momentary respite from athletic pursuits would prove crucial in Jesse’s journey.

Meanwhile, Avery found himself transported to Berlin, where he bore witness to the stark reality of Nazi Germany’s oppression. Amidst the construction of the stadium, he encountered Dr. Joseph Goebbels and Leni Riefenstahl, both carefully selected by the Fuhrer to immortalize the 1936 Olympics. As Avery spoke about the potential for a successful event without American involvement, the Nazis demonstrated a keen desire to appease their American counterparts. However, Avery’s forthright accusations of exploiting the Olympics to spread anti-Semitic and racist ideologies struck a chord with his hosts.

A deal was eventually struck, as the Nazis agreed to curb their propaganda efforts, remove anti-Jewish signage, and cease the forced relocation of Jewish residents from their homes.

Back in Ohio, Jesse returned to Coach Larry’s office, where he received a legislative page ID, granting him a $60 monthly stipend in exchange for his commitment to training. This mutually beneficial arrangement marked the beginning of Jesse’s rigorous training regimen under Coach’s watchful eye.

As practice intensified, Coach focused on teaching Jesse the importance of starting low and improving his form and cadence. Following their workout, the football team entered the showers, prompting Coach to orchestrate a deliberate distraction designed to teach Jesse a valuable lesson: blocking out negativity was essential. Jesse absorbed this message with clarity, later celebrating with friends in an impromptu jumping contest that ultimately led to his downfall – a painful reminder of the importance of humility and self-awareness.

Coach’s subsequent instructions were unequivocal: rest for three days before attempting to compete at Ann Arbor, lest injury further hinder Jesse’s chances.

In the sweltering heat of Ann Arbor, Michigan, on a fateful day in 1935, Jesse Owens (no actor name provided) takes to the track, his physical anguish evident yet undeterred by the din of boos from the bigoted crowd. Despite the whispers of defeat, he silences the doubters with a blistering time of 9.3 seconds in the 100-yard dash, shattering expectations and setting a new world record. However, the officials refuse to acknowledge his achievement, citing a marginally slower time of 9.4 seconds. Coach (no actor name provided) is visibly perturbed by this decision, yet Jesse remains unphased, shrugging off the controversy and moving on to the broad jump.

As he prepares for his next event, Jesse exhibits an air of confidence, seeking out official guidance on the world record mark before executing a majestic leap that not only sets a new world record but also solidifies his position as a force to be reckoned with. The momentum builds as he goes on to claim world records in the 200-yard dash and hurdles, earning the admiration and adoration of the crowd.

The euphoria of his triumphs is palpable as Jesse returns home from the meet, Coach sharing the news that Jesse has also broken a school record for most points earned. In a subtle yet poignant moment, Coach’s words take on a new significance: “Records are made to be broken.” Jesse ponders these words, an insight that will serve him well in his future endeavors.

Fast-forward to June 25, 1935, where the Ohio State team is preparing to face off against their opponents in Los Angeles. Eulace Peacock (Shamier Anderson), a formidable competitor, is touted as the man to beat. However, Jesse Owens proves an unstoppable force on the track, dominating his rivals with ease.

In the aftermath of his victories, Jesse, along with friends Dave and another companion, seek out the vibrant sounds of a local jazz club. It is here that they encounter Quincella, a captivating beauty in a pink dress who surprisingly takes notice of Jesse. Despite initial reservations, Jesse finds himself drawn to this enigmatic stranger, sensing that their connection may hold more depth than initially meets the eye.

As Avery (character) navigates the German landscape, he finds himself at a crossroads of sorts. The Berlin Olympics are looming on the horizon, and he’s eager to secure his place among the elite athletes. In a stroke of good fortune, he’s approached by Nazi officials with an intriguing proposal: they want him to build the new German Embassy in Washington D.C., a project that would cement his reputation as one of the top builders in America. Despite some initial reservations, Avery appears to accept the offer, his focus shifting from athletic pursuits to the promise of a lucrative deal.

Meanwhile, Jesse is dealing with a personal crisis back in Nebraska. A telegram from Ruth sets off alarm bells, threatening to derail his budding relationship with Quincella. As he navigates the aftermath of a disappointing track meet loss, Coach drops by to offer some words of wisdom. Jesse’s initial response is curt and self-pitying, but as they delve into the complexities of relationships, he finds himself drawn to Larry’s story about his daughter. The revelation sparks a chain reaction of introspection, leading Jesse to reevaluate his priorities.

As the team embarks on their journey back to Ohio, Quincella surprises everyone by showing up, only to be unceremoniously dumped by Jesse in a heart-wrenching breakup. Ruth, sensing an opportunity, seizes the moment to confront Jesse about his recent lack of attention and commitment. In a poignant exchange, he confesses his love for her and proposes marriage – again. This time, however, she’s not so quick to dismiss him, and the two begin making plans for their special day.

As the rain pours down outside, Jesse waits patiently for Ruth to finish her shift at the salon. It’s a moment of quiet desperation, as he pleads his case and reiterates his commitment. When she finally agrees to marry him, he dashes off to find someone to perform the impromptu ceremony, eager to start their new life together.

As the United States Olympic Committee convenes in New York, Jeremiah Mahoney (William Hurt) passionately argues that abstaining from participation would be a defiant stance against tyranny, while Avery counters by emphasizing the importance of following one’s dreams and the devastating impact a boycott could have on the athletes. The vote ultimately hangs in the balance, with 58 committee members favoring participation and 56 advocating for a boycott.

Meanwhile, in Ohio, a representative from the NAACP pays a visit to Jesse Owens’ home, imploring him to reconsider his plans to compete in Berlin. The representative’s concerns are rooted in the fear that Jesse’s presence would inadvertently legitimize the Nazi regime’s discriminatory policies. Jesse’s father, while disagreeing with the representative’s assessment, ultimately leaves the decision to his son.

Jesse’s perspective on the matter is shaped by his experiences and values. During a night at the track, he reflects on the essence of racing, arguing that speed and freedom are intertwined. This introspection is juxtaposed with the fervor surrounding a boxing match between a Nazi fighter and an American fighter, which ends in defeat for the American contender.

Coach Larry’s reaction to Jesse’s reservations about competing in Berlin is one of incredulity. He cannot fathom why Jesse would relinquish the opportunity to be part of history. Their disagreement is rooted in their vastly different perspectives on race, with Coach Larry being oblivious to the challenges faced by African Americans. This tension culminates in a heated exchange.

In a moment of emotional vulnerability, Coach Larry turns to drink and injures himself during a reckless broad jump attempt the following morning. Jesse, who has been grappling with his own doubts, is confronted by Coach Larry, who urges him to at least qualify for the Olympic Trials as a means of preserving his option to participate in Berlin.

At the trials, Jesse successfully qualifies for three events, only to face scrutiny from the press regarding the potential implications of African American athletes competing abroad. The presence of two Jewish teammates and Dave, another member of the track team, adds complexity to this already fraught situation. As tensions escalate during the press conference, it becomes clear that the issue at hand transcends mere athletic competition.

Coach Larry’s efforts to secure an additional coaching position with Jesse ultimately prove futile, highlighting the insurmountable obstacles faced by African American athletes seeking to compete on the international stage.

As Jesse navigates his way back to his hotel, a chance encounter with Eulace Peacock unfolds, revealing a tragic fate that has left this former athlete crippled and unable to pursue his passion for running again. His words of wisdom, urging Jesse to defy Hitler by attending the Berlin Olympics, weigh heavily on the American’s mind as he arrives at his hotel. The weight of responsibility and the fear of defeat keep him awake through the night, until Ruth’s gentle prodding eventually calms his nerves, reminding him that it is time to stop overthinking and simply run. With a newfound sense of determination, Jesse prepares for his journey, donning a special locket as a symbol of his devotion to those he holds dear, while also carrying a small lock of his daughter’s hair as a tangible connection to the world beyond the track.

As he boards the boat, Jesse is delighted to find Coach Larry by his side, their conversation punctuated by the coach’s departure and subsequent re-arrival in steerage. It becomes clear that Larry’s presence serves as a reassuring influence for Jesse, who is now more determined than ever to prove himself on the track. Upon arrival in Berlin, Jesse is introduced to Ms. Riefenstahl, a renowned filmmaker, who presents her vision for an Olympic promotional movie to the committee. Her request for creative freedom and a substantial 46 cameras sparks a heated debate with Dr. Goebbels, who insists that these games are his to control.

Meanwhile, the American team arrives in Berlin in July 1936, where they are greeted with regal hospitality at the Olympic Village. Marty and Sam, two athletes with a strong sense of social justice, display their David’s Stars with pride, even as they navigate the unexpected absence of segregated dorms and tables. As they share meals together with their white teammates, Dave’s optimistic assessment of the Nazis is met with skepticism by his companions.

Later that day, Ms. Riefenstahl unveils her finished film featuring the torch relay, which receives high praise from Dr. Goebbels, leaving her feeling vindicated and encouraged. The stage is now set for Jesse to face off against Adolf Hitler’s regime in a competition that will not only test his physical prowess but also his moral fibre.

As Jesse and Dave embarked on their rigorous training regimen, they were met with a daunting reality: the US team coaches were woefully inadequate, their biases and prejudices palpable. The usually composed Coach Larry’s inquiry into Jesse’s tumultuous encounter with Dean, regarding his unfitness to train fleas on a dog, only served as a precursor to a chaotic confrontation. The dispute escalated, with Dean demanding an apology and Jesse refusing to compete unless Coach Larry was reinstated. This ultimatum ultimately yielded results, and Coach Larry was reappointed to lead the team.

However, this decision came at a peculiar cost. Coach Larry found himself on an unexpected journey through the streets of Berlin, searching for a shoe shop that had failed to deliver his friend Jesse’s anticipated footwear from London. The coach’s lack of familiarity with the German language led him down a maze-like path, culminating in an unsettling encounter with Nazi soldiers coercing a Jewish family into a military truck. His ability to communicate with one of the soldiers ultimately guided him away from the disturbing scene.

The morning of the Olympic competitions brought no respite for Coach Larry, whose fretting over Jesse’s preparations bordered on the obsessive. Meanwhile, Jesse exuded a serene confidence, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to the coach’s anxious energy. As they made their way to the stadium, the sheer scale and grandeur of the venue took their breath away - the packed stands, the hovering zeppelin, and the imposing figure of Hitler himself.

Jesse donned his new shoes, gazed upon the cherished photograph of his wife in the locket, and then focused intently on the track. His victory in the 100-meter dash was a resounding success, earning him his first gold medal. Avery’s warm congratulations were followed by an invitation to meet someone special - a custom reserved for the hosting dignitary to greet gold medalists. As Jesse navigated through the throngs of high-ranking Nazi officials, he was accompanied by Avery, who proved a stalwart companion.

Their meeting with Dr. Goebbels, however, left Jesse feeling underwhelmed. The translator’s explanation that Hitler had departed early to avoid traffic, only to be met with Goebbels’ venomous remark about the futility of expecting Hitler to shake hands with “that,” sent Avery’s indignation soaring.

As the American team unwinds from their day, Jesse’s gaze drifts towards Carl “Luz” Long (David Kross), the reigning European broad jumping champion, whose impressive records have earned him a reputation that precedes him. Larry shares the strict rules governing the event, but Jesse seems preoccupied, his mind already focused on the competition to come.

The following day, Luz effortlessly qualifies for the event, while Jesse takes a more cautious approach, surveying the track as he did during his college days at Ann Arbor. However, his initial attempt is foiled when he steps over the line, resulting in an automatic disqualification. Undeterred, Jesse refocuses and makes it to the qualifying mark on his third try, crediting Luz with a subtle gesture of kindness - a towel placed beside the jumping lane, serving as a gentle reminder where to begin.

As the broad jump event unfolds, Luz and Jesse emerge as top contenders, their rivalry intensifying with each subsequent attempt. Luz, as expected, performs admirably, but Jesse’s determination propels him forward, ultimately surpassing Luz’s record distance of 7.78 meters with an impressive leap of 7.94 meters.

With the competition in hand, Jesse doesn’t need to take his final jump, but Luz insists on giving it his all, a testament to their growing camaraderie. On his third and final attempt, Jesse responds with an astonishing 8.60-meter jump, shattering the Olympic record. As medals are awarded and national anthems resonate through the air, Luz unexpectedly suggests that they share the lap of honor together, a decision that will come at great personal cost for him.

In the aftermath, Ms. Riefenstahl’s cameraman inquires about Luz’s impromptu gesture, effectively ending his competitive career - but also capturing the essence of their film, one that would forever immortalize this unforgettable moment.

As the day winds down, Jesse retreats to Luz’s quarters with a six-pack in tow. As they crack open the cold ones and settle in for an impromptu hangout, conversation flows freely. Jesse ventures into sensitive territory, asking Luz about his girlfriend’s physical appearance, only to be met with a wry observation: “There are indeed unattractive individuals in Germany – we simply conceal them.” The discussion takes a darker turn as Luz shares tales of government corruption and shares the disturbing story of a girl who was forcibly sent to his room the night before, tasked with becoming pregnant. Jesse’s curiosity piqued, he probes Luz about potential repercussions for his earlier stunt. In response, Luz issues a peculiar challenge: win the 200-meter dash not for any grand political statement, but simply to ease the sting of defeat for him personally.

The next day, back home in America, people gather around radios to witness Jesse’s final race unfold. However, in Berlin, Ms. Riefenstahl’s team is caught off guard when they’re instructed not to capture the event on film. She hastily dispatches her crew to their posts, and they barely manage to set up just as Jesse claims his third gold medal. Instead of focusing on the athletes, Ms. Riefenstahl trains her camera lens on the esteemed guests seated in the VIP box – Hitler, Dr. Goebbels, and other high-ranking officials – capturing their reactions to Jesse’s triumphant performance.

Following the race, Avery finds himself face-to-face with Ms. Riefenstahl and Dr. Goebbels. She insists that he not dictate what her crew should do or say. Dr. Goebbels then turns his attention to Avery, stressing the importance of being a considerate guest in their home. He takes umbrage with the fact that their guests – namely Marty and Sam, two Jewish athletes – have failed to show adequate respect for their hosts. The Nazi official reminds Avery that the US Olympic committee would likely be less than thrilled about his endorsement of the Berlin games if they became aware of their clandestine business arrangement. With this calculated pressure applied, Avery’s resolve crumbles, and he reluctantly acquiesces to Dr. Goebbels’ demands – effectively silencing Marty and Sam from participating in the 400-meter relay race.

As tensions simmer among the US team’s ranks, a sudden shift in strategy sees Sam and Marty relegated to the bench while Dave and Jesse take their places on the track. But Sam and Marty aren’t buying the narrative, sensing instead that anti-Semitic undertones are driving the decision. Their suspicions prove well-founded as Jesse himself expresses reluctance to participate, leaving the team mired in an impasse.

Meanwhile, at the fencing arena, Coach Larry sits deep in thought when Jesse joins him, seeking guidance on the impasse. As they converse, Coach Larry regales Jesse with tales of his own aviation exploits, revealing that he once crashed a plane before the 1924 Olympics and woke up three weeks later to find himself surrounded by news clippings of gold medal winners. His father’s scathing rebuke still lingers, a painful reminder of lost opportunity. As he hands Jesse the clipping, Coach Larry exits, leaving Jesse to ponder the words written across the news story: “Next Time”.

That evening, Sam and Marty pay Jesse a visit, offering their blessing for him to participate in the relay race and setting aside any personal doubts or biases. The next day, as the US team sets a new world record of 39.8 seconds in the relay event, Adolf Hitler conspicuously absents himself from the proceedings.

As Jesse packs up his room, adorned with four gleaming gold medals - an unprecedented feat that had not been achieved in decades - Coach Larry arrives to survey the haul. His eyes light upon one of the medals, a smile spreading across his face as he takes pride in Jesse’s accomplishment. Just then, Leni Riefenstahl appears on the scene, requesting a favor from the track star: filming him executing the broad jump for her cinematic purposes. After a few takes, Jesse raises concerns about the authenticity of the performance, only to be reassured by Riefenstahl that such measures are necessary to ensure his heroic feat is forever etched in the public’s imagination.

As Coach Larry (actor’s name) and the Owens family arrive at a prestigious dinner party in New York City, they are met with an unwelcome surprise: segregation laws dictate that Jesse (actor’s name) and his wife Ruth must use the service entrance, despite being honored guests. The indignity is palpable, but Jesse’s calm demeanor soothes Coach Larry’s ire, and together they proceed through the rear door while Coach Larry makes a statement by entering through the front.

Meanwhile, a young admirer, a white fan of Jesse’s, approaches him in the service elevator, seeking an autograph. This poignant moment serves as a microcosm for the larger themes of segregation and social inequality that plague this era.

As the evening’s festivities conclude, the film takes a melancholic turn, flashing forward three years to September 1939, when Germany invades Poland, marking the onset of World War II. Luz (actor’s name), Jesse’s friend and former teammate, is forced into military service and eventually makes the ultimate sacrifice in 1943.

The intervening years are marked by Jesse’s triumphant return from the 1936 Olympics, where he receives a hero’s welcome on the streets, although the White House remains curiously silent on his achievements. Coach Larry, meanwhile, continues to coach at Ohio State, nurturing future stars who go on to set records, and eventually travels to Rome in 1960 as the track coach for the Olympic Games.

Jesse’s personal life is also marked by significant milestones: he and Ruth welcome three daughters, and their marriage endures until Jesse’s passing from lung cancer in 1980. A testament to his enduring legacy, Jesse is posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, a fitting tribute to a man who embodied courage, perseverance, and determination.