Barriers have existed to deny people the chance to compete athletically based on their race, ethnic background, or sex. Some athletes, through their courage and class, have broken down the barriers that have afflicted our society, and sometimes affected greater social change. Jesse Owens, an African American, dominated Hitler's Olympics in Berlin in 1936, discrediting claims of racial superiority, and earning great respect in Europe. He then returned home to force the United States to confront its own racial attitudes.