Who Held the 100m Record Before Asafa Powell- A Look Back at the Pioneers of Sprinting

Who held the 100m record before Asafa Powell? The record was held by the legendary sprinter, Justin Gatlin. Asafa Powell, a former world record holder himself, has been known for his incredible speed and athleticism, but it was Justin Gatlin who preceded him in the record books.

Justin Gatlin set the world record in the 100m at the 2002 IAAF World Indoor Championships, clocking in at 9.77 seconds. His record stood for a few years before being broken by Asafa Powell. Powell, a native of Jamaica, broke the world record in 2005, running a time of 9.77 seconds as well, which was the same time as Gatlin’s record. This remarkable feat made Powell the first man to run the 100m in under 10 seconds twice.

Asafa Powell’s record-breaking performance was a testament to his incredible talent and dedication to the sport of sprinting. However, his reign as the world record holder was short-lived. In 2008, Powell was stripped of his record after testing positive for a banned substance. This came as a shock to many, as Powell had been seen as a clean athlete and a role model for young sprinters.

Justin Gatlin, on the other hand, continued to compete and eventually reclaimed the 100m world record in 2009, running a time of 9.58 seconds. Gatlin’s record stood for a few years before being broken by Usain Bolt, another Jamaican sprinter who has since dominated the 100m and 200m events.

Asafa Powell’s brief reign as the 100m world record holder was a highlight of his career, and his name will always be associated with the incredible achievements of sprinting. Despite the controversies and setbacks, Powell’s legacy as a world-class sprinter remains intact, and he will be remembered for his speed and determination on the track.