Usain Bolt’s complaint about his starting blocks at the World Championships forced the sport’s governing body to release a statement.
The Jamaican sprint star began his quest for a 12th World Championship gold medal in the 100 metres in 2017, but it wasn’t all plain sailing.
The London Stadium was the setting for Bolt’s routine heat victory but a poor start blamed on the blocks, left the eight-time Olympic champion incensed.
“That was very bad,” he said after eventually cruising to victory in 10.07 seconds.
“I stumbled a little bit coming out of my blocks. I’m not really a fan of these blocks. These are the worst blocks I have ever experienced. I have to get the start together as I can’t keep doing this.”
However, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) insisted that there were no faults with the starting blocks used at the London Stadium.
A statement from the IAAF read: “The starting blocks here in London are exactly the same model as were used at the last World Championships in Beijing.
“The starting equipment including the blocks are checked after each session.”
Nevertheless, Bolt picked himself up to compete in the third semi-final the following evening but a huge surprise came his way.
Young American track star Christian Coleman shocked fans in attendance by beating Bolt in 9.97 seconds compared to the Jamaican’s 9.98.
His victory ensured Coleman became the first man in four years to beat Bolt, the last of whom was Coleman’s compatriot Justin Gatlin.
Bolt was once again slow out of the blocks unlike Coleman who started in lightning fashion but this time, the world-record holder was unable to make up the gap and eased off as he reached the finish line.
GettyBolt’s poor start in the final left him on the backfoot but he managed to keep himself in contention until the finish line[/caption] But it was Gatlin in lane eight who powered through to take gold in LondonGettyIt was enough to cement his spot in the final later that evening where he took up lane four, next to Coleman who fancied his chances of one more upset on a night that proved to be his final global individual race before retirement.
But this time, all the big hitters were on show including Gatlin who lined up in line eight next to another contender in Yohan Blake.
Coleman made another blistering start with Bolt the second slowest off the mark and quickly falling a metre behind the American in fourth place.
Bolt quickly began to make up ground and with every step he closed in on Coleman.
But with just 15 metres to go, Gatlin powered through out of nowhere to pull ahead of the pair and claim his first world title since 2005 by 0.02 seconds.
Boos rained down from the London crowd after learning of Gatlin’s victory owning to his previous eight-year ban for a positive drugs test in 2009.
The American hit back at the London crowd who booed his victoryGetty Gatlin then bowed to the defeated Bolt in a show of respectAFP Bolt headed to the podium to pick up his bronze medalGettyGatlin’s winning time of 9.92 seconds turned out to be the slowest World Championship winning time in the 100 metres since 2003.
Coleman took second place with a time of 9.94 seconds, while Bolt was third in 9.95 seconds.
It was Bolt’s first defeat in a major final since 2011 when he false-started in the 100m in Daegu but showed his class by congratulating Gatlin on his victory before the American respectfully bowed back to him.
“London, I really appreciate the support you gave me. I’m just sorry I couldn’t deliver as I wanted. It is one of those things,” Bolt said in a trackside interview.
Reflecting on his issues out of the blocks, he added: “My start is killing me. Normally I get better through the rounds but it didn’t. This is the first time in a major championship it hasn’t come together. And that’s what killed me. It was the reason I lost.”
Hence then, the article about usain bolt forced iaaf to release statement after shock race complaint was published today ( ) and is available on talksport ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Usain Bolt forced IAAF to release statement after shock race complaint )
Also on site :
- Best Zero Recoil Sensitivity Codes for BGMI in 2026
- Pickaxe and Roll: Are Nuggets candidates for surprising trade this year?
- Bayern Munich vs. VfL Wolfsburg Prediction, Picks, Live Odds – January 11