Charles Greene (athlete) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Charles Greene

Greene in 1970
Personal information
Born	(1945-03-21)March 21, 1945 Pine Bluff, Arkansas, U.S.
Died	March 14, 2022(2022-03-14) (aged 76) Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.
Height	1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)
Weight	69 kg (152 lb)
Sport
Sport	Sprint
Club	Cornhusker Track Club
Medal record Representing the  United States Olympic Games Gold 1968 Mexico City 4x100 m relay Bronze 1968 Mexico City 100 m

Charles Edward "Charlie" Greene (born March 21, 1945 – died March 14, 2022) was a very fast American track and field runner. He was a sprinter who won a gold medal at the 1968 Summer Olympics. He also earned a bronze medal at the same Olympics.

Who Was Charlie Greene?

Charlie Greene was an amazing athlete known for his speed. He was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Many people thought he would be on the 1964 Olympic team. However, a muscle injury stopped him from making it that year.

High School and College Star

Charlie Greene showed his talent early on. He won the 100-yard dash twice in high school in Seattle. He also won the 220-yard dash in 1963.

While studying at the University of Nebraska, he continued to shine. He won the NCAA 100-yard dash championships three times. He even tied the world record for the 100-yard dash at 9.1 seconds.

The "Night of Speed"

In 1968, Charlie Greene became a national champion in the 100-meter dash. At the 1968 AAU Championships, he tied the 100-meter world record twice!

First, he ran 10.0 seconds in a heat. Then, in a later race, he ran an incredible 9.9 seconds. Two other runners, Jim Hines and Ronnie Ray Smith, also ran 9.9 seconds that night. This amazing evening, June 20, 1968, is famous in track history. It is called the "Night of Speed".

Olympic Glory in Mexico City

At the 1968 Olympics in Mexico, Charlie Greene faced a challenge. He felt pain in his left leg during the 100-meter dash final. Even with the injury, he still managed to win a bronze medal!

Despite his injury, he was also part of the American 4 × 100 metres relay team. He started the race for his team. They won the gold medal and set a new world record of 38.24 seconds.

Life After Running

After his incredible running career, Charlie Greene joined the United States Army. He became an officer. He used his knowledge of sprinting to coach athletes at West Point. He also coached the All-Army team.

Later, he retired from the Army as a Major. He then became a director for Special Olympics International. This organization helps people with intellectual disabilities through sports.

Coaching and Later Years

In 2007, Charlie Greene became a sprints coach at Lincoln Northeast High School in Nebraska. He helped many young athletes improve their running. In his first year, his team's 4 × 100 metres relay finished third in the state.

Charlie Greene spent most of his childhood in Seattle, Washington. Later in life, he faced some health issues. He passed away in Lincoln, Nebraska, on March 14, 2022, at the age of 76.

See also

In Spanish: Charles Greene (atleta) para niños