The Beijing sprints were supposed to be a showdown between the Jamaican Asafa Powell and Tyson Gay, the reigning world 100m and 200m champion from the US. But Usain Bolt has shot into contention after breaking Powell's 100m world record of 9.74 with a sensational 9.72 run in New York on May 31. The Jamaican Bolt will also be running the double after winning the London Grand Prix in 19.76.
Powell did beat Bolt on his way to winning the 100m in Stockholm and later won the dash in London, so he should be the favourite for the title of the fastest man in the world. Also in contention will be the Trinidadian Marc Burns and the Jamaican Michael Frater. Bolt's record was ratified yesterday by the International Association of Athletics Federations. The IAAF also ratified Dayron Robles' 110 hurdles record and Dire Tune's one-hour run record. Robles set his record of 12.87 seconds on June 12 in Ostrava, Czech Republic.
The Cuban broke the previous record of 12.88, which had been held by Chinese sprinter Liu Xiang. On the same day as Robles, Tune ran 18,517metres in one hour to break Tegla Loroupe's record of 18,340. @Email:arizvi@thenational.ae
