Milton Green, American hurdler and soldier (b. 1913)

The name Milton Green might not immediately ring a bell for everyone, but his story is one of remarkable athletic prowess intertwined with a powerful act of conscience. Born on October 31, 1913, in Lowell, Massachusetts, Green rose to prominence as a world record holder in high hurdles during the vibrant athletic scene of the 1930s. His journey, marked by both physical achievement and moral courage, left an indelible legacy until his passing on March 30, 2005.

The Ascent of a Hurdling Star

Milton Green’s athletic talent blossomed during his time at the esteemed Harvard University, a period when intercollegiate sports were keenly followed and celebrated. It was here that he cemented his reputation as a formidable force on the track. His exceptional skill in the high hurdles quickly garnered national attention.

In 1935, Green made a significant mark on the athletic world, equaling the then-world record of 5.8 seconds in the 45-yard high hurdles. This impressive feat occurred during a highly anticipated track meet that saw Harvard compete against fellow Ivy League powerhouses, Yale University and Princeton University. He was not just a competitor; he was a standard-setter, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible in his discipline.

His dominance continued into early 1936. At an Olympic trial heat held in the iconic Madison Square Garden, Milton Green once again etched his name into the record books, tying the world record for the 60-meter high hurdles with a blistering time of 7.5 seconds. With such consistent, world-class performances, he was widely considered a lock for the 1936 United States Olympic team, destined for Berlin.

The Weight of Conscience: Boycotting the 1936 Berlin Olympics

As the 1936 Olympic Games approached, scheduled to be held in Berlin, the capital of increasingly aggressive Nazi Germany, a profound ethical dilemma confronted many athletes, including Milton Green. The rise of Hitler’s regime and its discriminatory policies against Jewish people and other minorities cast a dark shadow over the spirit of international sportsmanship. Green, a Jewish athlete, found himself at a crossroads.

Despite being virtually assured a spot on the Olympic team, Green made a courageous and principled decision: he chose not to participate. This was not a decision taken lightly. Convinced by the counsel of his rabbi, Green opted to boycott the Games in protest of the atrocities unfolding under Nazi rule. He believed that to compete in Berlin would be to legitimize a regime that was systematically persecuting his people and undermining universal human values.

His protest, made alongside his Harvard teammate, Norman Cahners, remained largely unpublicized at the time, a quiet but firm stand against injustice. It wasn't a grand, public declaration, but a deeply personal and moral choice. Years later, in an interview transcribed by the US Holocaust Museum, Green reflected on that pivotal moment, offering a candid glimpse into his thought process:

Milton Green on his decision:
"Both Cahners and I decided that we would boycott the Olympics. We just felt it was the right thing to do. I spoke to the track coach at Harvard. We told him about our intention. He tried to persuade us not to do it. He said he didn't think it would do much good, and we should try to go to the final tryouts and try to make the team. But we didn't want to do that. After we boycotted the Olympics, no one came to speak to us or ask us if we'd make any statements about it. And I don't think anyone knew particularly that we did boycott it. I think back on making that decision and whether I would have won silver or gold or some sort of a medal, and every time I go to the Olympics—I've been to three of them—I particularly watch the high hurdles and the long jump, and I picture myself as maybe having won a medal in it."

This powerful testimony highlights the internal struggle and the quiet dignity of his protest. Even decades later, the "what if" of Olympic glory lingered, yet it was consistently overshadowed by the conviction that he had done "the right thing."

Life Beyond the Track and Enduring Recognition

Milton Green’s commitment to service extended beyond the athletic arena. Following his collegiate career and the principled stand against Nazi Germany, he served his country in the United States Army during World War II. After the war, he transitioned from athletics and military service into a successful career as a shopping center developer, a profession he pursued until his retirement in 1971.

Though his boycott of the 1936 Olympics went largely unnoticed at the time, Green’s contributions to sport and his moral integrity eventually received the recognition they deserved. In 1961, his athletic achievements and his connection to the prestigious institution were honored with his induction into The Harvard Athletic Hall of Fame. Decades later, in 1997, his courage and identity were celebrated again when he was elected into The International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to a man who truly embodied strength of character both on and off the field.

Frequently Asked Questions About Milton Green

Who was Milton Green?
Milton Green was an American high hurdler and a world record holder in the 1930s. He is best known for his principled decision to boycott the 1936 Berlin Olympics due to Nazi Germany's antisemitic policies.
When was Milton Green born and when did he pass away?
Milton Green was born on October 31, 1913, and passed away on March 30, 2005.
What world records did Milton Green hold?
He equaled the world record of 5.8 seconds in the 45-yard high hurdles in 1935 and tied the world record for the 60-meter high hurdles (7.5 seconds) in early 1936.
Why did Milton Green boycott the 1936 Berlin Olympics?
Green, a Jewish athlete, chose to boycott the 1936 Olympic Games held in Berlin, Nazi Germany, as a protest against the regime's persecution of Jewish people and its discriminatory policies. His rabbi's advice reinforced his decision.
Was his boycott widely known at the time?
No, Milton Green's boycott, along with that of his Harvard teammate Norman Cahners, was not widely publicized at the time, making it a quiet act of defiance.
What did Milton Green do after his athletic career?
After serving in the United States Army during World War II, Milton Green became a successful shopping center developer until his retirement in 1971.
What honors did Milton Green receive?
He was inducted into The Harvard Athletic Hall of Fame in 1961 and The International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 1997.