Usain Bolt's challengers
John Dana considers the primary challenger for Usain Bolt in the 2017 IAAF World Championships 100 metres.
The 2017 World Championships in Athletics are almost here, and London will be the city where the globe's best will compete against each other for a place in history books.
Undoubtedly, the Men's 100 meters is the most attractive event, and everybody will be paying attention to what happens in the London Olympic Stadium August 5 when the finals take place. It will be Usain Bolt's last appearance in the event. Can he go out as number one?
But there will be no shortage of challengers for the gold medal. Of course, fellow Jamaican speedster Yohan Blake is the prime candidate (other than Bolt) to take the first-place prize. This young sprinter will be the new face of Caribbean track stars. He has already posted impressive numbers and has his world championship title, which he won in the 2011 games edition.
Officially, Blake is the second-fastest man in the world, and he has to be eager to prove that he is better than Bolt while still having the chance. Another sprinter we must watch closely is Canada's Andre De Grasse. The North American speedster is only 22 years old and can boast impressive achievements. He won three medals in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which no Canadian sprinter has ever accomplished. De Grasse is the reigning Pan-American champion who won the final with 10.05 seconds.
The name Justin Gatlin is a synonym for speed. The American sprinter is a track legend living his last moments of stardom. The Brooklyn native is 35 years old and still in great shape, but father time is not that merciful, and Gatlin's times will start suffering in the months and years to come. But Justin is still an institution in world-class track events and must be respected. He can pull off a surprise result in London, and a lucky better can make some serious money in the process.
Who is your favourite? These are the four favourites to win the 2017 World Championships. Do you think Usain Bolt can say farewell with another stunning exhibition? Or is it time for the new speedsters to shine? We will find out in a matter of days.
Page Reference
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- DANA, J. (2017) Usain Bolts Challengers [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/articles/article252.htm [Accessed 6/5/2025]
About the Author
John Dana has been a physical fitness instructor for his entire adult life, logging 28 years at three different high schools in the United States. In 2008, he began teaching Pilates in private gyms in his hometown and is widely considered an expert in the craft.
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