te man to educate Jesse like he had never been before. Since Jesse was naturally talented he didn't need much training. Riley was the motivation that kept Owens level headed through high school. This was a major character building for Owens. He would take inspiration he felt from Riley and race through life with it (Adler 8).
             Another influence on Jesse was his dedicated wife Ruth. Just like Jesse, Ruth was also faced with many racial hate crimes (McRae 170). She supported Jesse thought all his accomplishments and stood as a strong leaning post for Jesse thought the thick and the thin. Jesse had to make the dangerous decision when he choose to go to the 1964 Olympics (McRae 170). Jesse was not only risking his own life but Ruth's as well. Ruth stood by Jesse side even when he became an inspirational speaker. She was the real b
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