ACOG - News - IBM

(26 July 1996; Day 8)

BAILEY Stuns With 100 Meter World Record in Athletics

Showing that he's a big meet performer, Canada's Donovan BAILEY survived the Olympic pressure cooker, plus a men's 100 meters final delayed by three false starts, to run a world record 9.84 in winning the gold medal on Saturday at Centennial Olympic Stadium.

Bailey, who won the 1995 World Championships, had been ignored most of the year, although he came into the meet with a world title and a seasonal best of 9.93. He was largely overlooked due to the fast running of Frank FREDERICKS (NAM), who had run the world's two fastest times this year, and Ato Boldon (TRI), third quickest. Add to that mix the publicity surrounding Linford CHRISTIE's (GBR) attempt to defend his Olympic title from 1992.

After looking unspectacular in qualifying rounds, BAILEY overcame a terrible start in the final to beat FREDERICKS BY .05. BOLDON won the bronze medal with a time of 9.90.

Perhaps cautious due to three false starts before the race got underway, and the delay due to CHRISTIE's disqualification for two of the jumps and his subsequent protest, BAILEY appeared to be last out of the blocks.

But he ran a great final 30 meters, overhauling a quick starting FREDERICKS and Michael MARSH (USA). BAILEY shaved .01 off the world record held by Leroy BURRELL (USA), set in 1994. The wind, at 0.7 meters per second, was well within the allowable limit.

"I knew I was in a good position after 70 meters," said BAILEY.

"My coach was telling me all the time not to forget the little things, what to do when the final begins with a series of false starts," BAILEY said. "So I just tried not to forget his advice."

In the women's 100 meter final, Gail DEVERS (USA) nipped Merlene OTTEY (JAM) for the gold, with both given the same time of 10.94. DEVERS, out quickly, survived a late rush by OTTEY, while favorite Gwen TORRENCE (USA) won the bronze at 10.96.

DEVERS, who will double in the 100 meter hurdles, said, "I didn't have the best start today, and I had no idea where I was, or where anyone else was."

This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publications Department. Written by Brett Ayers.


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Olympic Factoid
The Mother Nature was kind to Olympic athletes and spectators. The average high temperature during the Games was 89 degrees with an average low of 72 degrees. Highest temperature registered (20 July) - 99 degrees. Lowest high temperature registered is 79 degrees (28 July).