The Jesse Owens/Hitler thing is overblown at best, and likely completely inaccurate. Owens was on record saying that after he won his first gold on the second day of the games, Hitler nodded to him and they exchanged waves. Owens was also the fan favorite of the Germans, and got bigger cheers than almost every other athlete. American high jumper Cornelius Johnson was the only gold medal winner not congratulated by Hitler. Hitler had publicly congratulated the first two gold medal winners that day, they were both German, and left before Johnson got his medal. The next day the head of the games told Hityler he needed to congratulate all or none. He chose to congratulate the winners, including Jesse Owens.
