Maurice Greene

Here is a full, cited biographical article on Maurice Greene:

Maurice Greene – Life, Career & Legacy of an American Sprinting Legend

Learn about Maurice Greene (born July 23, 1974) — the American sprinter who set the 100 m world record, won Olympic gold, and dominated global sprinting for years. Explore his life, achievements, challenges, and legacy.

Introduction

Maurice Greene (born July 23, 1974) is an American former track and field sprinter who, at the height of his career, was widely regarded as the fastest man in the world. He held the 100 m world record (9.79 s) and collected multiple Olympic and World Championship titles. Over a career spanning the late 1990s into the mid-2000s, he became one of the most decorated sprinters in history.

Though injuries eventually curtailed his performance, his legacy in the sport remains strong: he delivered iconic performances, helped advance sprinting technique, and became a prominent figure both in and outside the track.

Early Life and Background

Maurice Greene was born on July 23, 1974, in Kansas City, Kansas, U.S.

In his youth, Greene was athletic and participated in both track & field and American football during his high school years.

He attended F.L. Schlagle High School in Kansas City.

After high school, Greene’s athletic development continued at the collegiate and junior college levels; among his schooling was Kansas City Kansas Community College.

It was around this time he fully committed to sprinting, eventually working with elite coaching (notably John Smith) and joining the HSI training group.

Rise to Prominence & Dominance

Breakthrough & World Titles

Greene’s international breakthrough came at the 1997 World Championships in Athens, where he won the 100 m—thus announcing his arrival on the world stage.

In 1998, he also claimed success in indoor events and regional competitions like the Goodwill Games.

But 1999 was arguably his peak year: at the World Championships in Seville, he achieved a rare sprint “triple” by winning 100 m, 200 m, and anchoring his team in the 4×100 m relay to gold.

That same year he also set the 100 m world record with a time of 9.79 s (+0.1 m/s wind) in Athens — lowering it by a substantial margin.

Simultaneously, he held (or equalled) indoor world record(s) in the 60 m (6.39 s).

Olympic Success & Later Career

At the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Greene won the gold medal in the 100 m, and also anchored the U.S. 4×100 m relay team to gold.

He continued to compete at top levels into the early 2000s, defending global titles—in 2001 he again won the 100 m world championship.

At the 2004 Athens Olympics, Greene earned a bronze medal in the 100 m and a silver medal in the 4×100 m relay.

Over his career, he logged many sub-10 second performances in the 100 m—52 such runs—tying him with Usain Bolt in that statistic (at the time) and ranking him among the most consistent elite sprinters of his era.

Challenges, Injuries & Retirement

From around 2001 onward, Greene was beset by injuries that hampered his ability to perform at his previous dominance.

His last major appearances included relay competitions, though he no longer contended at the highest individual level.

On February 4, 2008, Greene officially announced his retirement from competitive track and field.

After retirement, he has participated in public media (TV shows such as Dancing with the Stars), coached, and acted as an ambassador for track and field.

He also faced scrutiny in 2006 over payments he made to a trainer (Angel Guillermo Heredia) linked to alleged performance-enhancing drugs. Greene admitted making the payment but denied wrongdoing.

Style, Technique & Traits

• Explosive start & drive phase: Greene was known for his powerful drive and acceleration phases, particularly in the early 30–50 m of a race.

• Consistency and mental toughness: He often delivered under pressure, advancing through rounds and finals with mental fortitude.

• Versatility in sprint distances: While mainly a 100 m specialist, he also competed successfully in 200 m and indoor 60 m events.

• Showmanship: Greene was also visible in his public persona, interacting with fans, embracing media, and sometimes incorporating theatrics into his races.

Legacy & Influence

Maurice Greene’s legacy is multifaceted:

• His world record of 9.79 s stood for six years (until Asafa Powell’s 9.77 in 2005).

• He is one of the few sprinters to achieve the World Championships “triple” in a single year (100 m, 200 m, 4×100 relay) — a feat matched by only a small number of athletes.

• His performance consistency, number of sub-10 runs, and longevity among elite sprinters set benchmarks for future generations.

• He was inducted into the USA Track & Field Hall of Fame (U.S. Athletics Hall of Fame) in recognition of his exceptional contributions.

• Beyond sport, his public visibility and TV appearances helped bring attention to track & field beyond its usual fanbase.

Notable Quotes

While Greene is more often quoted in interviews than known for pithy aphorisms, here are a few lines attributed to him:

• He once remarked that he wanted to push the human limits of speed and believed the 100 m would eventually dip below 9.6 seconds.

• On payments to illegal substances, Greene stated in media that although he had paid for “stuff” for other training group members, he denied ever taking banned substances himself.

• Commenting on the thin margins in sprinting (hundredths of a second), he often emphasized that consistency, focus, and mental strength matter as much as raw speed.

Lessons & Takeaways

• Breakthroughs often follow setbacks. Greene failed to make the U.S. Olympic team in 1996, but used that disappointment as motivation to elevate his training and performance.

• Record-setting requires mastery of race phases. His excellence in start and drive phases underpinned his success.

• Durability is key in sprinting. Greene managed many years at the top despite injuries—a testament to disciplined conditioning.

• Legacy is more than times. His influence lies not just in the records but in how later sprinters learned from his approach, training systems, and mental approach.