Due to increases in human performance, training methods and nutrition, every 10 years the world record for the 100 meter dash falls by .05 seconds. That is until Usain Bolt. According to Network Osaka, by the trends we’ve seen until 2008 Usain Bolt’s staggering world record time in Beijing shouldn’t have happened until 2039. What makes Bolt so successful? He’s taller than his competition and in most cases being taller would be a disadvantage. Bolt however, can move his legs as fast the shorter runners while taking longer strides than they do. In Bolt’s world record-breaking dash, he finished the race in 41 steps while the racer who finished in second took 44. 

Due to increases in human performance, training methods and nutrition, every 10 years the world record for the 100 meter dash falls by .05 seconds. That is until Usain Bolt.

According to Network Osaka, by the trends we’ve seen until 2008 Usain Bolt’s staggering world record time in Beijing shouldn’t have happened until 2039.

What makes Bolt so successful? He’s taller than his competition and in most cases being taller would be a disadvantage. Bolt however, can move his legs as fast the shorter runners while taking longer strides than they do. In Bolt’s world record-breaking dash, he finished the race in 41 steps while the racer who finished in second took 44.