2017 IAAF World ChampionshipsAug 5, 2017 by Taylor Dutch
Usain Bolt's 45-Race Winning Streak Ends In 100m Semifinal
Usain Bolt's 45-Race Winning Streak Ends In 100m Semifinal
For the first time since 2013, Usain Bolt didn't win a race that wasn't a relay performance. In the semifinal of the men's 100m at the IAAF World Championships on Saturday, the eight-time Olympic champion finished second to rising star Christian Coleman.
For the first time since 2013, Usain Bolt didn't win a race that wasn't a relay performance. In the semifinal of the men's 100m at the IAAF World Championships on Saturday, the eight-time Olympic champion finished second to rising star Christian Coleman.
The former Tennesse standout and collegiate record-holder executed an impressive start to win heat three in 9.97 while Bolt closed in 9.98. Both athletes automatically advanced to the 100m final, which is set to take place at 3:45 p.m. CT.
The last time that Bolt lost a race was on June 6, 2013 when 2004 Olympic champion Justin Gatlin beat him in the 100m at the Rome Diamond League meet. In that race, Gatlin ran 9.94 while Bolt ran 9.95. Bolt has also won every round of the 100m at a global championship with the exception of the prelim of the 2009 World Championships and a false start in the 100m final at the 2011 World Championships.
On Friday, Bolt won his heat of the 100m, but said he stumbled because of the blocks.
"That was very bad," Bolt told the IAAF. "I stumbled coming out of the blocks. I'm not very fond of these blocks. I think they are the worst ones I've ever experienced."
"I have to get this start together because I can't keep doing this. It's shaky. When I did my warm-up, it pushed back. It is just not what I am used to. Not as sturdy or firm," he said.
The semifinal loss breaks the longest ever winning streak at 100m. But with his last individual championship race on the horizon, Bolt will be focused on making history with what would be his 20th global championship of his career.
100m Final:
The former Tennesse standout and collegiate record-holder executed an impressive start to win heat three in 9.97 while Bolt closed in 9.98. Both athletes automatically advanced to the 100m final, which is set to take place at 3:45 p.m. CT.
The last time that Bolt lost a race was on June 6, 2013 when 2004 Olympic champion Justin Gatlin beat him in the 100m at the Rome Diamond League meet. In that race, Gatlin ran 9.94 while Bolt ran 9.95. Bolt has also won every round of the 100m at a global championship with the exception of the prelim of the 2009 World Championships and a false start in the 100m final at the 2011 World Championships.
Bolt's 45 race win streak broken! #London2017 pic.twitter.com/ZHtfI8s9b0
— FloTrack (@FloTrack) August 5, 2017
On Friday, Bolt won his heat of the 100m, but said he stumbled because of the blocks.
"That was very bad," Bolt told the IAAF. "I stumbled coming out of the blocks. I'm not very fond of these blocks. I think they are the worst ones I've ever experienced."
"I have to get this start together because I can't keep doing this. It's shaky. When I did my warm-up, it pushed back. It is just not what I am used to. Not as sturdy or firm," he said.
The semifinal loss breaks the longest ever winning streak at 100m. But with his last individual championship race on the horizon, Bolt will be focused on making history with what would be his 20th global championship of his career.
100m Final:
