Post-college, Green had a short but impactful professional track and field career. Before suffering from a career-ending hamstring injury, Green spent four years traveling the world competing in various events. When people talk about big-time athletes from Kentucky, Jim Green is often overlooked. However, he paved the way for modern athletes such as Tyson Gay.

Gay and Green had similar accomplishments. Both world-class athletes born and raised in the Bluegrass State, they gained most of their success as sprinters in the world of track & field. As a high school student, Gay won three State Championship titles. He advanced in his academic and athletic career at Barton Community College in Kansas where he proved a force to be reckoned within the 100 and 200-meter-dash events. After moving on from  college, Gay continued racing in Arkansas and in 2006, was ranked first in the 100-meter-dash and second in the 200-meter-dash. Throughout the years, Gay has won numerous international competitions and racked up on medals in both the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games.

Tyson Gay has made a name for himself and the state of Kentucky in the world of Track & Field, but it would not have been possible had Jim Green not paved the way.