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In an attempt to draw more fans to the sport, we are seeing successful attempts at obscure world records. 

Why?  Everyone wants to witness a world record.  Winning isn’t enough for the average fans.

I wrote about chasing obscure indoor world records last year.  This year, we are seeing attempts at:


  1. 100 yards: Asafa Powell in Ostrava
  2. 200 meter straight: see Tyson Gay Manchester 200 meter 19.41 World Record Video and 19.41 200 meter Splits
  3. 200 meter hurdles:  see What is the World Record for the 200 meter Hurdles?
  4. 300 meter: Usain Bolt in Ostrava.  See How Fast Can Usain Bolt Run the 300 meters? 

For those who like SI, and I’m referring to the Systeme International or the metric system, not Sports Illustrated, then one kilometer is a standard distance.  So why not half a kilometer, or 500 meters?  The track (if you can call it that) at the 1900 Paris Olympics was 500 meters.

Imagine today sprinters lining up at the 100 meter start line in blocks and in lanes, then after 100 meters, they all break for the pole position?  Can you spell PAIN at 300 meters with 200 meters to go?  I have more respect for 800 meters runners.

Meet directors:  Bring on the 500 meters!

What is the World Record for 100 Yards?

Charlie_GreeneThe official FAT (fully automatic timing) World Record Best for 100 yards is 9.21 by Charlie Greene back in 1967 (photo, left).  A hand time of 9.0 was set by Ivory Crockett in 1974.

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I am sure Asafa Powell will break that, given that 100 yards is 91.44 meters, and from 90 meter splits, we see that the range from 8.75 (Bolt ‘09) to 8.92 (Powell ‘05).  Ben Johnson was 8.89 before showboating.

Given that Asafa is famous for shutting down at 90 meters when he’s leading, this race will be perfect for him.

In all fairness, the Women’s 100 yards split will be taken.  The world record best is 10.0 by Chi Cheng (or 10.10 FAT) from 1970.

PHOTO CREDITS: Jeff Kroot  SOURCE: Bud Winter Archives


UPDATE: Asafa Powell runs 9.07 (wind -0.5) to set a new 100 yard world best!

Ostrava 100 yard results Mens

Ostrava 100 Yard Womens results

Jimson Lee

Jimson Lee

Coach & Founder at SpeedEndurance.com
I am a Masters Athlete and Coach currently based in London UK. My other projects include the Bud Winter Foundation, writer for the IAAF New Studies in Athletics Journal (NSA) and a member of the Track & Field Writers of America.
Jimson Lee
Jimson Lee
Jimson Lee

About Jimson Lee

I am a Masters Athlete and Coach currently based in London UK. My other projects include the Bud Winter Foundation, writer for the IAAF New Studies in Athletics Journal (NSA) and a member of the Track & Field Writers of America.

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Comments

  1. Nathaniel says

    Well Asafa got it! But as you pointed out. Asafa has done sub 9 before, so it’s not as arduous. A 9.83 is well done,considering he had the headwind(-0.5) and the rain to deal with. Uh oh!

    Reply

  2. Harri Heimonen says

    What’s the WR or WB for 40 yds? There used to be a book advertised in the TFN years and years ago, called ‘The Indoor World Records’,I think.

    And what are the Masters’ WRs or WBs for Indoors?

    Reply

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