Ellison M. "Tarzan" Brown:Winner of 1936 and 1939 Boston Marathons, twice broke the world marathon record. Ran and won two marathons on consecutive days and was twice U.S. 25-kilometer champion.

Tom Harmon: Won Heisman Trophy in 1940 with the University of Michigan where he led the nation in scoring and was named All-American in 1939-40. Earned a Silver Star and a Purple heart as a World War II fighter pilot. Played in NFL with Los Angeles 1946-47.

Joe Louis: Held the world heavyweight crown for a record 11 years and 9 months, from June 1937 through March 1949. Won 63 of 66 fights, 49 knockout, and successfully defended his title a record 25 times.

Alice Marble: The pioneer of the serve-and-volley game, Marble won 18 Grand Slam titles, including 13 in mixed or women's doubles. Was named Female Athlete of the Year by the Associated Press in 1939 and 1940.

Jesse Owens: In 1935, Owens set or tied six world track and field records in less than an hour at Big Ten Championship. He won a record four gold medals - in the 100- and 200-meter sprints, the long jump, and as a member of the 4 x 100-meter relay team - at the 1936 Olympics.

Helen Stephens: Won two gold medals at the 1936 Olympic Games in the 100-meter sprint and throwing the javelin. In less than three years, she earned 13 national or AAU titles in six different track and field events. She never lost a race at any distance.