Births on March 21

Charles Greene, American sprinter and coach

Charles Edward Greene, affectionately known as "Charlie" Greene, was a legendary American track and field sprinter whose incredible speed and determination left an indelible mark on the sport. Born on March 21, 1945, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Greene's athletic journey culminated in a gold medal at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. His life, spanning until March 14, 2022, was a testament to competitive spirit, resilience, and a continued commitment to sports and service.

Greene spent a significant portion of his formative years in Seattle, Washington, where his sprinting prowess first began to shine. While attending O'Dea High School, he captured the 100-yard dash titles in both 1962 and 1963, also adding the 220-yard dash championship in 1963. These early successes hinted at the extraordinary talent within him, yet his path wasn't without its early challenges. Despite being considered a strong contender for the 1964 Olympic team, a muscle pull during the Olympic Trials unfortunately limited him to a sixth-place finish, a setback that only fueled his resolve for future competitions.

A Collegiate Powerhouse and World Record Breaker

As a student at the University of Nebraska, Charlie Greene solidified his reputation as an elite sprinter. He dominated the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championships, securing the 100-yard dash title for three consecutive years from 1965 to 1967, even tying the world record in the event with an astonishing time of 9.1 seconds. His collegiate career was also marked by Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) championships, where he claimed the 100-yard dash title in 1966 and the 100-meter dash in 1968, consistently proving himself as one of the fastest men on the planet.

The "Night of Speed"

Perhaps one of the most iconic moments in track and field history, and certainly a highlight for Charlie Greene, occurred at the 1968 AAU Championships. On June 20, 1968, at Hughes Stadium in Sacramento, California, Greene famously tied the 100-meter world record not once, but twice. First, in the heats, he equaled the then-standing world record of 10.0 seconds. Then, in the second semifinal, he pushed even further, clocking an incredible 9.9 seconds. This same historic time was also achieved by Jim Hines and Ronnie Ray Smith in the preceding race, making that evening a legendary confluence of talent. Track and field historians have since dubbed this electrifying night – where multiple sprinters broke barriers and several others came remarkably close – the "Night of Speed," a testament to the groundbreaking performances witnessed.

Olympic Glory Amidst Adversity

The stage was set for the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, and Charlie Greene arrived as a formidable force. Demonstrating his incredible form, he was the fastest man in both the trials and semifinals of the 100-meter dash. However, fate introduced a dramatic challenge just before the final race: Greene felt a sharp pain in his left hamstring. Despite the injury, his unwavering determination shone through; he started the race with a bandaged leg, ultimately earning a third-place finish in the 100-meter dash. Though not gold, this bronze performance, under duress, highlighted his immense courage.

Greene's Olympic story wasn't over. Despite his individual injury, he bravely led off the American 4 × 100 metres relay team. His powerful start, combined with the efforts of his teammates, propelled the squad to a gold medal victory, setting a new world record of 38.24 seconds. This triumph, a testament to teamwork and his enduring speed despite personal setbacks, became the crowning achievement of his illustrious athletic career.

A Life of Service and Coaching

Following his remarkable athletic career, Charles Greene transitioned into a distinguished period of service. He became an officer in the United States Army, where he continued to share his expertise in sprinting. His roles included serving as the sprint coach at West Point and later taking the reins as the head coach of the All-Army team, mentoring a new generation of athletes and leaders. After a decorated career, he retired from the Army with the rank of Major, but his commitment to sports and community didn't end there.

Greene dedicated his post-military years to making a difference, becoming a director for Special Olympics International. In this role, he championed inclusion and empowerment through sports, embodying the spirit of his own athletic journey. In 2007, his passion for coaching brought him back to the track, this time as the sprints coach at Lincoln Northeast High School in Lincoln, Nebraska. His impact was immediate and profound, as he coached multiple state qualifiers in his very first year and guided the state's third-place 4 × 100 metres relay team, composed of Logan Reising, Brian May, Tory Berks, and AJ Robinson, to success.

Later Years and Enduring Legacy

In his later years, Charlie Greene, who had spent much of his childhood in Seattle, Washington, faced a number of medical complications and surgeries, which slowed him down. Despite these challenges, his legacy as a legendary sprinter, an Olympic gold medalist, a world record holder, and a dedicated coach and public servant remained untarnished. Charles Edward "Charlie" Greene passed away in Lincoln, Nebraska, on March 14, 2022, at the age of 76, leaving behind an inspirational story of speed, perseverance, and a life well-lived.

Frequently Asked Questions About Charlie Greene

Who was Charlie Greene?

Charles Edward "Charlie" Greene was an American track and field sprinter, best known as an Olympic gold medalist and a former world record holder in the 100-meter dash and 4 × 100 metres relay.

What were Charlie Greene's major achievements?

Greene won a gold medal in the 4 × 100 metres relay and a bronze medal in the 100-meter dash at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. He also tied the 100-meter world record multiple times, including during the famous "Night of Speed" in 1968, and was a three-time NCAA champion.

What was the "Night of Speed"?

The "Night of Speed" refers to June 20, 1968, at Hughes Stadium in Sacramento, California, where Charlie Greene, Jim Hines, and Ronnie Ray Smith all equaled the 100-meter world record of 9.9 seconds in their respective semifinal races at the AAU Championships. It was a historic evening for sprinting.

Where did Charlie Greene go to college?

Charlie Greene was a student at the University of Nebraska, where he achieved significant success in collegiate track and field, winning multiple NCAA championships.

What did Charlie Greene do after his athletic career?

After his sprinting career, Charlie Greene served as a United States Army officer, coaching sprints at West Point and leading the All-Army team. He later became a director for Special Olympics International and coached high school track and field in Lincoln, Nebraska.