American · Kansas City, Kansas · Born 23 July 1974American sprinter who dominated 100m from 1997-2001, held world record at 9.79 seconds, won two Olympic golds and five World Championship titles.
Maurice Greene was born in Kansas City, Kansas in 1974. He set the 100m world record of 9.79 seconds in 1999 — a record that stood until Asafa Powell in 2005. He won double gold at the Sydney 2000 Olympics (100m and 4x100m). He won five World Championship titles. His explosive start and maximum acceleration phase — he reached top speed faster than any contemporary — was the most physically powerful 100m technique of his era. He paid $10,000 to a sprinting coach in an arrangement that later generated questions about his career. He retired in 2008.
World record holder in 100m and dominant sprinter of late 1990s/early 2000s
Lasting Impact
One of the greatest sprinters in history, held 100m world record for 9 years
Career Honours
- Olympic Gold 2x (2000: 100m, 4x100m)
- World Record 100m (9.79)
- World Champion 5x
American Athletes