Before establishing himself as the "World's Fastest Human," Jim Hines showed his promise at McClymonds High School in Oakland, Calif., where he was undefeated in the 100 and 220 and tied the 100-yard national prep school record with a time of 9.4 seconds. As a student at Texas Southern University, Hines was the AAU 220-yard champion in 1966 and won the 100-yard dash at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics championship meet in 1967. That year, he also tied the world 100-yard dash record of 9.1 at the California Relays in Modesto. In 1968, Hines was one of three sprinters who ran the 100 meters in 9.9 seconds -- all in the semi-finals of the National AAUs in Sacramento. Hines actually finished second in the finals to fellow recordholder Charles Greene before winning the Olympic trials. At the Mexico City Olympics, Hines established his "World's Fastest" title, winning the 100 meters in a world record time of 9.95 that remained unsurpassed for 15 years. In the 4x100m relay, he took the baton for the anchor leg in third place, before propelling the U.S. to victory in a world record time of 38.6. After retiring from track and field, Hines played one season with the Miami Dolphins in the American Football League.
World Record: 100 yd. - 9.10 World Record: 100 m - 9.95 (October 14, 1968 - ) World Record: 400 m relay - 38.60
1968 Olympics: 100 m - 9.95 (1st) 1968 Olympics: 400 m relay - 38.60 (1st) 1966 AAU: 220 yd. (1st) 1967 NAIA: 100 yd. (1st)
Pro football player Administrator