The 100 metre world record has been broken by Justin Gatlin. Gatlin overcame the mark of Asafa Powell (9.77) which stood for 11 months. See here for the progression of the 100 metre men’s world record.
I was reading an article a few years ago which wondered how much the world record can be broken. For example, we know that no human can ever run down 100 metres in say 7 seconds. Where is the end to the 100 metre world record, if at all?
The amazing thing is that the world record keeps getting broken. Sport teaches us to think positive, aim big and keep growing. World records are milestones which speak about these charecterstics of sport itself.
Justin Gatlin is very young at 24. He has already accomplished a lot, as Gatlin says:
I am the best of the best because I am the Olympic champion, the world champion and now the world record holder..
Asafa Powell, whose record Gatlin broke, is just 23. These two athletes promise a lot. Few others may join in the party in the near future.
Excitement and drama will always chase the 100 metres. This, after all, is the world stage.
Update: Powell says that record is only on loan. Interesting!
[...] While the 100 metre world record battle is being followed, there is another less glamarous event where the world record is being broken and reclaimed – women’s hammer throwing. [...]