To quote Vin Scully, I don't believe what I just saw. Two hours ago, at the World Championships in Berlin, which I watched live on NBC, Usain Bolt of Jamaica broke his own world record in the 100-meter dash. His previous record was 9.69 seconds. His record is now 9.58 seconds. Bolt's average speed today was 23.35 miles per hour. His mile pace was 2:34.16.
For as long as I can remember, the average speed of the record holder at 200 meters has exceeded that of the record holder at 100 meters. For this reason, I have resisted calling the reigning 100-meter record holder "the world's fastest man." But Bolt's average speed at 100 meters (23.35 miles per hour) exceeds his average speed at 200 meters (23.18 miles per hour). What this tells me is that he can go much faster than he has at 200 meters. If you double his time at 100 meters, you get 19.16 seconds for 200 meters. Bolt's record is 19.30 seconds. I honestly believe that Bolt can run 19.1, or even 19 flat. Just writing that gives me chills.
The man is not of this earth.
Addendum: When I was born, on 7 April 1957, the world record in the 100-meter dash was 10.1 seconds (held by three men). Those of you who don't follow track and field might not think that the decrease from 10.1 to 9.58 seconds (in 52 years) is all that much. Take my word for it: It is all that much.
Addendum 2: Bolt set the previous record of 9.69 seconds a year ago today, at the Beijing Olympics. I boycotted the Olympics, so I didn't see his record live, as I did today.
Addendum 3: Here is the New York Times story. In case you're wondering how the 200-meter record can be faster (in terms of average speed) than the 100-meter record, it has to do with getting up to speed. There isn't much distance left to run in the 100 meters after you get up to speed. In the 200 meters, you have much more distance left to run. We know how fast Bolt can run 100 meters. He should be able to go faster than that at 200 meters.
Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D. 