- 9.90: Leroy Burell (US), June 14, 1991
- 9.86: Carl Lewis (US), August 08, 1991
- 9.85: Leroy Burrell (US), July 06, 1994
- 9.84: Donovan Bailey (Can), July 27, 1996
- 9.79: Maurice Greene (US), June 16, 1999
9.78: Tim Montgomery (US), September 14, 2002- 9.77: Asafa Powell (Jam), June 14, 2005
9.769.77: Justin Gatlin (US), May 12, 2006
Justin Gatlin is in the news again. This time, Gatlin set a new world record in the 100 meter dash. Despite how early in the season it is, he ran a 9.76 at the Qatar Grand Prix.
“I am the best of the best because I am the Olympic champion, the world champion and the world record holder now,” Gatlin told reporters. “I thought I would do it and I kept my word. I am a man who likes challenges and my acceleration today was phenomenal.”
Olusoji Fasuban and Shawn Crawford followed Gatlin across the line, 0.08 seconds and 0.32 seconds respectively.
The record has only been improved upon 6 times since 1990 (Tim Montgomery’s record was taken off the books due to his connection with Balco). I fully expect that we will see it drop again later this year. There are some good races coming up, including a showdown between Asafa Powell and Justin Gatlin at the Gateshead Grand Prix in just over 4 weeks from now.
So what’s the lowest that you think it can go? In other words, what’s the human physiological limit?
I do not foresee ever managing to propel myself in a pedestrian type manner over 100 meters in 10 seconds. That is just crazy fast. I would bet that at some point somebody could get down to 9.37 seconds if they legalized steroids in the sport. As is, it’ll probably get to around high 9.6 or low 9.7 seconds with a fair race. As for the current folk who are in the scene now, I think their limit will be around 9.74 or 9.75 seconds.
I just saw a headline for Gatlin’s world record. I am familiar with all of the past world records you list as I was a track runner myself and avid fan. I have been amazed for a long time at the elite sprinters and the barriers they break. I wonder what Jesse Owens would run if he had the benefit of modern tracks and shoes?