Maurice Greene

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameMaurice•Greene
Used nameMaurice•Greene
Nick/petnamesThe Kansas Cannonball
Born23 July 1974 in Kansas City, Kansas (USA)
Measurements176 cm / 80 kg
AffiliationsNike, Beaverton (USA) / HSI, Irvine (USA)
NOC United States
Medals OG
Gold 2
Silver 1
Bronze 1
Total 4

Biography

Maurice Greene was a sprinter who was considered the fastest man in the world at his career peak from 1997-2004. In addition to his 2000 Olympic gold medals in the 100 and 4x100 relay, he was World Champion in the 100 metres in 1997, 1999, and 2001, winning the sprint triple of the 100, 200, and 4x100 relay in 1999. He also won the 100 metres at the 1998 Goodwill Games and the 1999 World Indoor Championship at 60 metres.

Greene attended Kansas Community College and the University of Kansas, but he turned pro early. He was USA Champion at 100 metres in 1997 and 2002, 200 metres in 1999, and the indoor 60 metres in 2001.

At major internationals Greene was dominant during his prime, winning the Golden Gala meet at 100 metres in 1999-2002, the Ivo Van Damme Invitational in 1998 and 2000, and the Zürich Weltklasse in 1999-2000. Greene was ranked in the world top 10 from 1997-2004, earning the #1 ranking for five consecutive years, 1998-2002.

After his competitive career ended Greene dabbled in entertainment. He appeared on Dancing with the Stars and Blind Date on television. He was a volunteer track coach at UCLA in 2012-13, and later taught physical education at the American Leadership Academy in Arizona.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
2000 Summer Olympics Athletics USA Maurice Greene
100 metres, Men (Olympic) 1 Gold
4 × 100 metres Relay, Men (Olympic) United States 1 Gold
2004 Summer Olympics Athletics USA Maurice Greene
100 metres, Men (Olympic) 3 Bronze
4 × 100 metres Relay, Men (Olympic) United States 2 Silver

Special Notes