By: HISTORY.com Editors

2009

Usain Bolt sets 100-meter dash world record

Published: August 10, 2021

Last Updated: February 18, 2025

On August 16, 2009, under the lights of Berlin’s Olympic Stadium at the World Championships, 22-year-old Usain Bolt strikes a lightning-bolt pose and grins before taking his mark. Then the Jamaican, already the fastest man in the world, shatters his own world record in the 100-meter dash, winning the event in 9.58 seconds. He becomes the first to run the event in less than 9.6 seconds.

Bolt’s time of 9.69 at the 2008 Beijing Olympics was not only a world record, but also the first time the 100-meter dash had been run in under 9.7 seconds. Bolt's stunning speed and laid-back, playful personality made him an international celebrity in the wake of his Olympic gold, but observers noted that he had not finished his race in Beijing at full speed. Soon, many speculated, Bolt could shatter his own world record.

It happened the next year, in the same stadium where trailblazing sprinter Jesse Owens had covered himself in glory at the 1936 Olympics. After sailing through the preliminary heats, Bolt lined up for the 100-meter final alongside Tyson Gay, an American sprinter considered his main challenger at the time. On Gay’s other side was Bolt’s countryman, Asafa Powell—together, they were the three fastest men in the world.

Although his starts were considered a weakness, Bolt started strongly and got better over the course of the sprint. Even as Gay ran the race of his life, finishing in 9.71 seconds, Bolt pulled away from him, winning by more than a meter. As an exuberant Bolt continued running along the curve of the track, thumping his chest and receiving adulation from the crowd, his official time was announced.

Afterward, Bolt said he could run even faster, perhaps even 9.4. He retired after the 2017 World Championships without reaching that mark, but his 100-meter world record endures.

The Olympic Games: Fast Facts

Historian Yohuru Williams dives into the history of the Olympic Games.

Timeline

Also on This Day in History

Discover more of the major events, famous births, notable deaths and everything else history-making that happened on August 16th

Related Articles

When Black American Athletes Raised Their Fists in the 1968 OlympicsDraft SharePreviewPublish

After sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos made a defiant gesture from the awards podium at the Games, they faced repercussions—but also gained respect.

Peter Norman, Tommie Smith, and John Carlos, as they play the national anthem of the United States at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. (Credit: Rich Clarkson/Rich Clarkson & Associates/Getty Images)

When Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists in protest at the 1968 Summer Games, Australian runner Peter Norman stood by them. It lost him his career.

The Infamous 1956 Olympic Water Polo Match Known as ‘Blood in the Water’

Just weeks before the match, Soviet tanks and troops brutally crushed the short-lived Hungarian Revolution.

Greg Louganis of the USA sets his feet on the edge of the diving board before attempting a dive in the men's spring board competition during the 1988 Summer Olympic Games held in Seoul, South Korea.

During a time when fear and stigma around AIDS and LGBTQ identity were pervasive, Louganis kept his diagnosis secret until years later.

About the author

HISTORY.com Editors

HISTORY.com works with a wide range of writers and editors to create accurate and informative content. All articles are regularly reviewed and updated by the HISTORY.com team. Articles with the “HISTORY.com Editors” byline have been written or edited by the HISTORY.com editors, including Amanda Onion, Missy Sullivan, Matt Mullen, Christian Zapata and Cristiana Lombardo.

Fact Check

We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate.

Citation Information

Article title
Usain Bolt sets 100-meter dash world record
Website Name
History
Date Accessed
May 09, 2025
Publisher
A&E Television Networks
Last Updated
February 18, 2025
Original Published Date
August 10, 2021

History Every Day

Sign Up for "This Day in History"

Uncover fascinating moments from the past every day! Learn something new with key events in history, from the American Revolution to pop culture, crime and more.

By submitting your information, you agree to receive emails from HISTORY and A+E Global Media. You can opt out at any time. You must be 16 years or older and a resident of the United States.