It’s still a bit early to talk about Usain Bolt’s record, but still. Fred Kerley is establishing himself as the most impressive sprinter since the start of Lightning. The American achieved the new best world performance of the year by running in 9.76, Friday in Eugene (Oregon), where he won the title of champion of the United States.
The 27-year-old sprinter, who ran with an authorized wind of 1.4 m/sec, first erased in the semi-final the reference time of 9.83 he had achieved the day before in the heats, becoming the 6th best performer of history, alongside Trayvon Bromell and Christian Coleman. Among American sprinters, only Tyson Gay (9.69) and Justin Gatlin (9.74) ran faster than him.
Kerley targets Bolt’s record
The Olympic silver medalist in the 100 m then won the final in the barely slower time of 9.77, de facto punching his ticket for the World Championships organized on the same track at Hayward Field (July 15-24).
“My very good finish allowed me to cross the finish line first today”, commented the Olympic silver medalist in the 100m, confident nevertheless to “expect to be faster” and “aim for the Usain Bolt’s world record (9.58).
Marvin Bracey, second (9.85), and Trayvon Bromell, third (9.88) in a final run under ten seconds by all its participants, also qualified for next month’s meeting.
