Nebraska’s Greene Equals 100-Yard World Record

History couldn’t wait for Nebraska’s Charlie Green.

That’s why, on this day back in 1967, Greene equaled the world record in the 100 yards of 9.1 in a first-round heat at the NCAA Championships. He followed that up with a title-winning 9.2 in the final, which made him the third man in NCAA DI history to win three career national titles in the 100 yards/meters (Marquette’s Ralph Metcalfe from 1932-34 and Southern California’s Mel Patton from 1947-49 are the others).

This was back in the days when hand times were considered official, but Greene actually achieved the fastest automatically timed 100-yard performances since the meet had a Bulova phototimer in use. His heat time was recorded at 9.23 and his final in 9.21, which track historians note are the two fastest marks ever recorded at that distance.

Greene, a native of Pine Bluff, Ark., who grew up in Seattle, was also known for some memorable one-liners. He wore dark shades whether it was day or night and claimed “These aren’t sunglasses – they’re my re-entry shields.” He also used a “super-satellite” gear only when leading and challenged in a race.

It’s safe to say Greene continued his record-breaking ways in 1968. He won the “Night of Speed” 100 Meters at the AAU Championships when the world record was set or tied by 10 men over three rounds. Greene later earned the bronze medal in the 100 at the Mexico City Olympics after suffering a hamstring injury and then returned to lead the U.S. 4×100 relay team to gold and a world-record performance of 38.2.