James Hines (1946 - 2023)

Born 10 Sep 1946 in Dumas, Desha, Arkansas, United States

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Biography

Jim Hines is Notable.

Jim Hines was an American athlete, both a sprinter and an NFL player. He held the world record in the 100-meter sprint for 15 years and was the first man to run 100 meters in under 10 seconds.^[1]

James "Jim" Ray Hines was born on September 10, 1946, in Dumas, Desha County, Arkansas. His father was Charlie Hines and his mother Minnie (West) Hines.

From an early age, Hines showed a remarkable aptitude for sports. His exceptional speed and agility became evident during his high school years, where he excelled in multiple athletic disciplines. Hines' natural talent and dedication caught the attention of college scouts, leading him to receive a scholarship to participate in track and field at Texas Southern University.

During his time at Texas Southern University, Hines honed his skills under the guidance of renowned coaches. He showcased his exceptional sprinting ability and consistently set new records in collegiate competitions. Hines became a dominant force in the 100-meter event, earning numerous accolades and establishing himself as a rising star in the world of track and field.

In 1968, James Ray Hines etched his name in history by becoming the first man to officially break the 10-second barrier in the 100 meters. This groundbreaking achievement occurred at the U.S. Olympic Trials, where Hines clocked a remarkable time of 9.9 seconds, solidifying his place as the fastest human on the planet at that time. This achievement propelled Hines into the spotlight and positioned him as a strong contender for the upcoming Olympic Games.

Later that year, Hines represented the United States at the 1968 Summer Olympics held in Mexico City. His exceptional speed and determination earned him gold medals in both the individual 100-meter event and the 4x100-meter relay. Hines' victory in the individual event marked the culmination of his groundbreaking feat of breaking the 10-second barrier earlier that year, further solidifying his place in history.

Following his success at the Olympics, Hines decided to explore a different athletic avenue. In 1969, he shifted his focus to American football and joined the National Football League (NFL) as a wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins. Although Hines' football career did not reach the same heights as his track and field achievements, he contributed to the team's success during his tenure with the Dolphins.

After retiring from professional football, Hines remained involved in the sports world. He dedicated his efforts to coaching and mentoring aspiring athletes, passing on his expertise and inspiring the next generation of track and field stars. Hines' impact on the sport extends far beyond his personal accomplishments, as he continues to influence and motivate athletes to this day.

James died on June 3, 2023 in Oakland, Alameda County, California. He was buried at Chapel of the Chimes Memorial Park in Hayward, Alameda County, California.

James Ray Hines' legacy is one of excellence and perseverance. His groundbreaking achievements in track and field, including his record-breaking 100-meter sprint and Olympic gold medals, have left an indelible mark on the history of sports. Hines' passion for athletics and his relentless pursuit of greatness serve as a testament to his character and determination. His name will forever be synonymous with speed, athleticism, and the pursuit of breaking barriers.

Sources

1. ↑ Wikipedia: Jim Hines

• Obituary: ZK Goh, "Olympic champion Jim Hines, first official sub-10 100m man, dies aged 76," Olympics.com, https://olympics.com/en/news/olympic-champion-jim-hines-first-official-sub-10-100m-man-dies-aged-76 : accessed 8 Jun 2023.
• "National Track & Field Hall of Fame Members," USATF, https://www.usatf.org/resources/national-track-field-hall-of-fame/hall-of-fame-members : accessed 8 Jun 2023.
• Hornbuckle, Adam R., Spring Hill, Tennessee, Encyclopedia of Arkansas, last updated on 16 Jun 2023. "Jim Hines (1946–2023)." Accessed 29 Jun 2023.
• Carlson, Michael, The Guardian, 13 Jun 2023. "Jim Hines Obituary." Accessed 29 Jun 2023.
• Burial: Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/254950770/jim-hines: accessed 29 June 2023), memorial page for Jim Hines (10 Sep 1946–3 Jun 2023), Find A Grave: Memorial #254950770, citing Chapel of the Chimes Memorial Park, Hayward, Alameda County, California, USA; Maintained by Find a Grave.