Bolt sets record in 100
NEW YORK - Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt set the world record in the men's 100 meters last night at the Reebok Grand Prix, surprising everyone at Icahn Stadium - except himself and runner-up Tyson Gay.
Bolt finished in 9.72 seconds, beating the mark of 9.74 set by countryman Asafa Powell in September.
When asked if he thought a record was possible entering the competition, Bolt said, "I had the idea. I was pretty confident coming here. I wasn't looking for a world record, but it was there for the taking."
Bolt also took advantage of a false start by the field, making sure his second burst out of the blocks was stronger. In the past, Bolt has struggled to uncoil his 6-foot-5-inch frame. Following his record run, Bolt noted that his coach has "worked magic" to improve his start. As a result, Gay never had a chance, finishing in 9.85.
"[Bolt] got out pretty good, better than what I thought he would," said Gay, the event's reigning world champion. "I know this track is fast. I knew 9.7 was possible. I didn't know if it would be me or him. . . . It's obvious I have work to do."
The record run marked the first 100-meter world record set on American soil since Donovan Bailey did it at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996. But it was Jamaica that was enjoying the real celebration. Not long after Bolt finished, he heard reports that it was "crazy down there" in his home country. At Icahn Stadium on Randall's Island, the shock of the heavily Jamaican crowd quickly turned into a pride-filled party.
Although Bolt said he couldn't wait to return to Jamaica and take part in festivities commemorating his record run, his focus remains on the Olympics. Going into the meet, he said he wasn't sure if he would run the 100 in Beijing, but given what transpired, he said he will definitely race both the 100 and 200 at the Olympics.
"I'm just happy right now, but I'm not overexcited," said Bolt. "The gold medal is more important to me. Somebody's got to wait four years to beat you. Someone can take the world record from you any time."
