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‘All I wanted to do was just to beat him’ – How Tyson Gay made Usain Bolt ‘accidentally’ set the 100 meter world record

In a remarkable twist of fate, Tyson Gay, the American sprinter, played an unexpected role in Usain Bolt’s iconic 100-meter world record in 2009. During the World Championships in Berlin, Gay had set his sights firmly on defeating Bolt, determined to end the Jamaican’s dominance in sprinting. However, in the final, what was meant to be a fierce battle turned into an unintended catalyst for Bolt’s historic performance.

Gay, who was the world’s second-fastest man at the time, was confident in his preparation. He had run 9.77 seconds earlier that year, and it seemed like a competitive showdown was on the horizon. However, Bolt, who had already set the 100-meter world record the previous year in Beijing, was in peak form. As the race unfolded, Gay was up against Bolt’s explosive acceleration and smooth stride.

Despite a strong start, Gay found himself gradually falling behind. As Bolt powered through the final 30 meters, he surged ahead, leaving the field behind in a dazzling display of speed. Bolt crossed the finish line in a jaw-dropping 9.58 seconds, setting a new world record—a time that was both shocking and awe-inspiring. Bolt later explained that his form in the race felt effortless, as if he had run a training session, not a world record.

Tyson Gay, who finished second in 9.71 seconds, acknowledged that he had inadvertently played a role in Bolt’s record-setting run. His fierce competition had pushed Bolt to give his best, and though Gay’s goal was simply to defeat Bolt, it ultimately led to the birth of one of the most enduring records in athletics history.