European premiere of Race takes place in Monaco

HSH Prince Albert II, the Honorary President of the International Athletics Foundation, and IAAF President Sebastian Coe attended the European premiere of Jesse Owens biopic Race alongside the film’s producers Luc Dayan and Jean Charles Levy at the Salle des Princes in Monaco’s Grimaldi Forum on Friday evening (6).

Held after the conclusion of the IAAF Council Meeting earlier that day, the premiere was a joint venture between the film, the IAAF and the IAF. Approximately 1000 guests, including the Monaco ministers of culture and sports and IAAF Council members, were at the premiere. Children from local schools and the Monaco Athletics Club also attended.

Race tells the story of Jesse Owens. The legendary US athlete shot to fame in 1935 when he set four world records within the space of an hour at a college competition in Michigan, making him an overwhelming favourite for the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin.

Owens more than lived up to expectations in the German capital, winning gold in four events and setting world records in two of them. More importantly, though, he was the leading figure of what the Germans called ‘America’s black auxiliaries’ and his dominance made a mockery of Hitler’s theories of Aryan supremacy.

The film, which was released in US cinemas last month, stars Stephan James in the lead role alongside Jeremy Irons, William Hurt and Jason Sudeikis.

IAAF President Sebastian Coe commented: “The IAAF is extremely proud to be associated with the film Race and to have assisted with its promotion. Our support, which began two years ago, culminates here in Monaco with the film’s European premiere.

“Jesse Owens’ life is the stuff of legend. Four world records within the space of an hour. First man to jump beyond eight metres in the long jump. Four golds at the 1936 Olympics. Given his success at those Games, he was credited with 'single-handedly crushing Hitler's myth of Aryan supremacy'.

“When Owens died in 1980 at the age of 66, the world lost an inspirational figure. We are proud to gather here tonight to celebrate his remarkable legacy.”

IAAF