It was hardly their best race, by any means, but Thursday in Rome, Jamaicans Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell put on a thrilling show in the 100m at the Golden Gala, the third installment of this year’s IAAF Diamond League.
VIDEO: Usain Bolt Defeats Asafa Powell In Rome
Running for the first time since August, and doing so reportedly 10 pounds lighter but with more muscle, Bolt struggled to a slow start, allowing Powell to take an early lead. But as he’s known to do, Bolt eventually found his tride, and churned into another gear. With about 30 meters to go, he had closed the gap on Powell, and roughly just 10-20 meters before the finish, he managed to pass his countryman.
Here’s video of the exciting finish (so long as YouTube lets it live):
Bolt finished in 9.91 (his world record time is 9.58, set in 2009), edging Powell by just 0.02 seconds. France’s Christophe Lemaitre was third in, 10 flat.
The 2011 IAAF Diamond League continues with at the Prefontaine Classic on June 4, in Eugene, Oregon.
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