Usain Bolt’s iconic performance in the 100-meter dash at the 2009 World Championships, where he clocked an astounding 9.58 seconds, is one of the most remarkable feats in the world of athletics. But just how fast was Bolt running during that race? To understand his speed, we need to calculate his average speed over the 100-meter distance.
Step 1: Understanding the Formula for Speed
Speed is defined as the distance traveled divided by the time it takes to travel that distance. The formula for calculating speed is:
Speed=Distance/Time
In this case:
- Distance = 100 meters
- Time = 9.58 seconds
Step 2: Applying the Formula
Now that we have the distance and time, we can plug the values into the formula:
Speed=100 meters/ 9.58 seconds
​Performing the division:
Speed≈10.44 meters per seconds
So, Usain Bolt was running at an average speed of approximately 10.44 meters per second or 37.58 kilometers per hour during his 100-meter world record race.
Step 3: Breaking Down the Speed
To put this into perspective, Bolt’s speed during the race is faster than many cars on city roads and faster than the average human runner. His ability to maintain this speed over the entire 100 meters makes his achievement even more impressive.
Conclusion
Usain Bolt’s 9.58-second 100-meter dash is a testament to human speed and endurance. Calculating his speed reveals that he ran at an average of 10.44 meters per second showcasing the incredible talent and training behind his world record. This performance continues to inspire athletes worldwide, showing that with dedication, extraordinary feats are possible.