When I analyzed the 10 meter splits of Usain Bolt’s 9.69 world record at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, I claimed the 2 main reasons of his success were:
(1) he had the highest top end speed ever recorded for a 10 meter split (0.82 seconds per 10 meters, instead of 0.83 seconds) and,
(2) he had great speed endurance from 50-90 meters from his 200 meter training.
Without the chest thumping slowdown, I extrapolated his potential of a 100m World Record of 9.63 or 9.64 seconds.
In a recent article posted at the guardian.co.uk, Usain Bolt answers some questions based on Carl Lewis’ brash comments in a recent Sports Illustrated interview.
From the article:
Bolt said his 100 breakthrough was earned by hard training.
“The 200 is also sprinting, that was key,” he said. “The only thing I had to do was get my start right and I got my start right.
“That’s why my last 50 metres are so good because I’ve got speed and endurance.”
There’s no doubt in my mind that he could go much lower than 9.63 considering:
- when Usain Bolt decides to take this event seriously
- when runs right through the line, as he did for the 200 meters
- a straight final in an invitational meet, though a semi-final run 90 minutes prior may actually keep you loose and relaxed, IF you have the luxury of coasting through the semi’s.
- a slight altitude above sea-level to avoid the * asterisks. Edmonton, AB is 680m above sea level, compared to Johannesburg, RSA (1750m) or Mexico City (2250m)
- a tailwind of 1.99 meters/sec
- a reaction time of .100 like Tim Montgomery’s WR
It’s fun to be an arm-chair coach!
Jimson Lee
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I would say his top end is good because his start is good. He moves his hips better at the start of the races and keeps them moving better throughout the races.
I think he could have ran faster in the 200 if he had not pressed through the finish line but relaxed more.
@Adarian – yes, a good start sets you up for a good top end speed.
Everyone talks about the Ben Johnson, the greatest starter in the world, with a 6.33 60 meter split at Seoul 1988.
Bolt ran 6.32 for his 60 meter split.