American sprinter Maurice Greene etched his name in the record books, replacing Canadian Donovan Bailey with a new world record in the 100 meters. Greene clocked 9.79 at the Tsikliteria International Meeting in Athens, Greece, Wednesday and shaved off .05 from Bailey's previous world best mark of 9.84.
"I tried to be the best and I made it," Green told reporters after the meet. "I have worked hard for today but I won't stop. ... It was the best ever race for me. I have proved with this what I am, and I hope to improve the world record next time."
Prior to Bailey world-record performance, the 100-meter world mark bounced back and forth between Americans Carl Lewis and Leroy Burrell. Lewis (9.92) went into the history books on Sept. 24, 1988. Burrell (9.90) replaced him June 14, 1991.
Lewis wasted no time in grabbing the record back a few months later when on Aug. 25, 1991 he clocked 9.86. Burrell eventually set a new record (9.85) on July 6, 1994.
On July 27, 1996, in Olympic competition, Bailey replaced Burrell on top of the 100-meter record list, and the mark stood until Green's performance this week.
"USA Track & Field and all Americans congratulate Maurice Greene on setting the 100-meter world record - one of track's most important standards," USATF CEO Craig Masback said. "This achievement puts him in the company of such all-time greats as Jesse Owens, Jim Hines and Carl Lewis, and we are thrilled that he returned the record to the United States."
Greene defeated Bailey in a matchup on the same track in Athens at the IAAF World Outdoor Track and Field Championships in 1997. The indoor world record holder at 60 meters (6.39 in 1998), Greene tied Bailey's world record mark at 50 meters earlier this year at the L.A. Invitational on Feb. 13. He clocked 5.56 to pull even with Bailey in the 50-meter record list.
Greene's training partner, Trinidad's Ato Boldon, took second Wednesday in Athens in 9.86. Bruny Surin of Canada was third in 9.97.
100 Meter World Records (compiled by the USATF)
Maurice Greene (USA) 9.79 June 16, 1999
Donovan Bailey (CAN) 9.84 July 27, 1996
Leroy Burrell (USA) 9.85 July 6, 1994
Carl Lewis (USA) 9.86 August 25, 1991
Leroy Burrell (USA) 9.90 June 14, 1991
Carl Lewis (USA) 9.92 September 24, 1988
Calvin Smith (USA) 9.93 July 3, 1983
Jim Hines (USA) 9.95 October 14, 1968
Armin Hary (W. Germany) 10.0 June 21, 1960
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