Charles Tidwell (March 30, 1937 – August 28, 1969) was an American track athlete who was one of the best sprinter/hurdlers in the world in the years 1958–60. He was denied a chance to run in the 1960 Olympics by injury. His life was cut short at 32 years of age when he shot himself to death after killing his wife following a violent quarrel between the two.