An Illustrated History of Sprints and Relays

By Mike Rosenbaum, About.com Guide

How low can sprint records drop? The question remains open. Jamaica's Usain Bolt began his assult on the 100-meter world record of 9.74 seconds when he posted a time of 9.76 at the Jamaica International Invitational (above) early in 2008. He set a world record of 9.72 seconds shortly thereafter.

Previous

• The early days of sprints and relays
• Chariots of Fire
• Four golds for Owens
• Women sprinters join Olympics
• The World's Fastest Man
• Relay success
• Unique double
• Dominant teams
• Where sprints and relays are now

Next