by Larry EderNo one could have written this one better. Grand theatre! The no false start rule has bitten our sport in the butt and will not let go!
Yohan Blake, 2011 WC 100m gold medalist, photo by PhotoRun.netAs one producer just told me, that the whole 100 meters just makes great TV, and it will! For the ages!
The false start rule has been a nightmare since it was announced. The big worry was, what if a guy like Usain Bolt false starts? What happens?
Usain Bolt, clowning around, 2011 WC first round, photo by PhotoRun.net
Well, be careful what you talk about or ask for?
Usain Bolt took a runner, he came up, out of his blocks and he knew that he was going to be disqualified. You could see it on his face. Perhaps it was the pressure of knowing that he was not in his best shape, perhaps it was the pressure of Yohan Blake, perhaps he just screwed up, but it happened in any case.
Usain Bolt took his shirt off, smiled and walked off the track, putting his head against the light blue Daegu backdrop, knowing that his nightmare was here.
Usain Bolt, 2011 WC, round 1, Photo by PhotoRun.net
The sprinters lined up again, and they were off. Getting out the best was Kim Collins. Wait, that Kim Collins, the 2003 World Champion, the guy who was talking about retiring the past couple of years. Well Kim did not stop running.
Walter Dix, 2011 WC 100 meters, rounds, photo by PhotoRun.net
Yohan Blake, who had a strong start, just blasted by Kim Collins halfway through and kept running to the gold medal, and his dream became reality, as Yohan Blake ran 9.92, his seasonal best, for the 100 meter World Championship title!
Kim Collins, a bit younger, winning his 2003 WC title, photo by PhotoRun.net
In second, Walter Dix of the USA continued his medal haul, taking the silver in the 100 meters, running 10.08 and in third was a thoroughly happy Kim Collins, who ran 10.09 for third.
Christophe Lemaitre, 2011 WC 100m rounds, photo by PhotoRun.net
Christophe Lemaitre, who looked terrified before the final, was fourth in 10.19. Daniel Bailey was fourth in 10.26. Jimmy Vicaut of France was fifth in 10.27. Nesta Carter was seventh in 10.95.
Usain Bolt, 2011 WC 100m rounds, photo by PhotoRun.net
Usain Bolt was disqualified per IAAF rule 162.7.
The crowd and media were stunned. I am stunned. More updates in a few hours!
We do know that a major TV network is looking at the tape of the false start in slow-mo and believe someone else triggered the false start and Bolt was reacting. Then we have the conspiracy theorists, so wait for more details soon!
