Men's 100 m

How it was set

Usain Bolt ran 9.58 seconds in the men's 100 meter final at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, Germany, on August 16, 2009. He was not the quickest out of the blocks, but he took control of the race early. Tyson Gay finished second in 9.71 seconds, a United States national record, and was well behind him at the line. Bolt cut 0.11 second from his previous world record of 9.69 seconds, which he set at the Beijing Olympics. It is the largest improvement to the 100 meter world record since the start of electronic timing.

About Usain Bolt

Usain Bolt is a retired sprinter from Jamaica. Many regard him as the greatest sprinter of all time. He has won eight Olympic gold medals and holds world records in the 100 meters, the 200 meters, and the 4 x 100 meter relay. He is the only sprinter to win the Olympic 100 meter and 200 meter titles at three consecutive Olympics, in 2008, 2012, and 2016. His 9.58 seconds is the fastest 100 meter time ever run.

How it compares

The record before this one was Bolt's own 9.69 seconds, set at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The 9.58 mark is faster by 0.11 second. Tyson Gay's 9.71 seconds in Berlin was only 0.02 second off that earlier record. Any sprinter who runs faster than 9.58 seconds would take the world record.