Jamaican Sprinter Captures Coveted 100m Record

Photos

Usain Bolt

see larger image

uploaded by GYNA

• 

  uploaded by GYNA | add comment

• 

  uploaded by dejagib | add comment

• 

  uploaded by dejagib | add comment

Videos

Someone in crowd causing false start in Bolts 100 WR

see larger video

sourced by michelle.sundvick

Millions of Jamaicans worldwide bellowed cries of joy on Saturday night, when 21 year old Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, shocked the world by ripping apart the world 100 meter dash record, Previously held by fellow Jamaican Asafa Powell.

Clocking a jaw dropping 9.72 seconds, the young 200 meter specialist shattered all prospects of a neck and neck finish with American Tyson Gay who he beat by almost 2 meters to the line.

Set in front of a full capacity at the Ichan stadium on Randall Island, New York, the stands were filled with the national colors of the small Caribbean island as many came to see prophesized history in the making at the Reebok Grand Prix.

Born in rural Jamaica and educated at William Knibb High, Usain “Lightening” Bolt came to prominence in 2002 by capturing a gold and silver medal at the World Junior Championships. In 2007 he created his first streak of history by being the first junior to hit sub 20 seconds running an astonishing 19.93 at the World Youth Championships in 2004.

In 2007 he raised the bar even further by devastating a 36 year record held by Legendary 200m Jamaican Sprinter Donald Quarrie.

But it was his 9.76 wind assisted time at the 2008 Jamaica Invitational a few weeks ago that sparked the attention of the International community setting the stage for last Saturdays race.

The 100m, the final event of the evening, was also delayed by a false start and the intermittent showers that graced the venue.

However when the starter’s gun echoed, It was Usain Bolt who lay claim to one of the most coveted titles in Track & Field.

"I was really surprised I did so well out of the blocks but I'm just proud of myself. My coach told me to concentrate on the drive phase and that's what I did."

When asked about his historic run the humble athlete replied, “You've got to be Olympic champion or world champion to really count," Bolt, who took the 200m silver medal behind Gay at last summer's World Championships in Osaka, said. "Tomorrow, if someone comes and runs faster than me, I'm no longer the fastest man in the world.

"If you're the Olympic champion, then they have to wait four more years to get you again. I think the Olympics is the biggest thing, so I'm looking for that."
With Beijing 2008 Olympics looming on this summer’s horizon, Usain could prove to be double trouble at this year’s staging.

"I'm definitely going to double up and run the 100m in the Olympics," he said.

The Reggae News Agency

www.riddimja.com