Justin Gatlin breaks Usain Bolt 100m world record by 0.13 seconds... but it won't count

The United States sprinter clocked a time of 9.45 seconds on a Japanese game show by openly cheating

Simon Rice
Tuesday 01 March 2016 10:29 GMT
Comments
Justin Gatlin poses next to the time
Justin Gatlin poses next to the time (YOUTUBE)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Justin Gatlin has smashed Usain Bolt's 100m world record, however it won't count because the United States sprinter was assisted by huge wind turbines.

The American covered the distance in an incredible 9.45 seconds, well under Bolt's 2009 record of 9.58 seconds.

It was part of a stunt for Japanese game show Kasupe! in which the 34-year-old, who is considered Bolt's main rivals for glory at this summer's Olympics in Rio, agreed to take part.

Gatlin's start was boosted by a huge turbine that propelled him from the blocks and was then assisted along the way by smaller fans placed at the side of his lane.

Watch the rapid run below...

Whilst the stunt was only meant as a bit of fun, Gatlin's involvement in an artificially enhanced performance might be considered crass. In 2001 he was banned from athletics for testing positive for amphetamines and then was kicked out of the sport again in 2006 for doping.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in