Owens became one of the icons of the Olympics following his exploits in Berlin where he dominated in his events amid the height of Adolf Hitler's Nazi regime and shattered the Aryan race supremacy doctrine that was supposed to be the calling card of the Games.

The 22-year-old proceeded to etch his name in Olympic history by winning gold medals in the 100 and 200 metres, the long jump and the 4x100m relay, making him the most successful athlete at the Games.

The medal up for auction is the only one that remains as the whereabouts of the other three are unknown.

Following the Games, Owens came back to the United States instead of touring with the American Olympics team resulting in him being stripped of his amateur status.

On his return from Berlin, Owens befriended dance and movie star Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, who helped Owens get employment in the entertainment industry.

As a token of gratitude, he gave Robinson one of his Olympic medals which has remained part of the Robinson estate and has been put up for auction by the family who are reportedly planning to use the proceeds to pay college tuition and contribute to charity.

Dan Imler from SCP Auctions, the firm in charge of the sale, said the medal has received 15 bids since the auction opened with the highest at $229,755 (£139,958/€169,223).

"Almost singlehandedly, Owens obliterated Hitler's plans," said Imler.

"You've got an African-American, son of a sharecropper, grandson of slaves who overcame these incredible circumstances and delivered a performance for the ages.

"We expect a lot of bidding activity on the final day of the auction, which is typical."

Jesse Owens claimed three track golds and a long jump gold in Berlin ©Hulton Archive