Shanghai: American sprinter Christian Coleman is optimistic about the possibility of Usain Bolt’s long-standing 100-meter record of 9.58 seconds being surpassed. Coleman suggests that there are several athletes capable of achieving this feat.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the Shanghai Diamond League meet on Friday, Coleman expressed his belief, stating, “It seems like the times being run, 9.58 is obviously an extraordinary time but honestly I feel like it’s a lot of guys who are competing today who are not that far off, if the track gods see fit for it to happen.”
Acknowledging the importance of perfect conditions, he added, “But it has to be perfect conditions, on the right day, the right competition and the right venue … if you’re focusing on running properly, like executing a good race, I feel like those type of magical moments happen.”
While acknowledging the challenge, Coleman remains focused on his own journey, stating, “I feel like it’s in my wheelhouse, but I don’t try to put too much emphasis or thought on it. I try to just focus on the next practice, the next rep, the next meet and just trying to improve and get better and better and the times will come.”
Usain Bolt set the current record of 9.58 seconds in Berlin in 2009, with American Tyson Gay as the second-fastest with a time of 9.69 set in Shanghai the same year. Recently, Christian Miller, a 17-year-old American, clocked an impressive 9.93 seconds, marking the fastest time in the world this year at a high school meet in Florida.
Coleman, a five-time world champion with a personal best of 9.76 seconds, will compete against U.S. rival Fred Kerley, the silver medalist in the 100m at the Tokyo Olympics, at the Shanghai Diamond League meet.
“I’m the fittest I’ve ever been,” said Kerley, expressing his readiness for the competition. “I’m learning how to run the 100 still, me and my coaches are working on the phases of the races instead of just running the race like I always have.”
Coleman, who secured gold in the 60m at the world indoor championships earlier this season in Glasgow, continues to demonstrate his prowess on the track.
