Maurice Greene of the USA equalled the World Championships’ record of 9.86, set by Carl Lewis in Tokyo in 1991, to become the first USA World or Olympic 100m champion since Lewis’ Tokyo triumph. Canada’s Donovan Bailey could not retain his title, clocking 9.91 in second place. Tim Montgomery of the USA was third in 9.94.
Greene and Montgomery’s medals are the first USA men’s 100m medals in a major championship since the World Championships in 1993 when Andre Cason was second to Linford Christie.
Greene, in lane three, had a superb start, with Frank Fredericks beside him in lane 2 also getting away well. Bailey in lane 4 was still trailing at the half way point while Montgomery in lane 7 was closing on the Canadian. From 60m Greene opened up a gap on Fredericks and although Bailey closed in the final stages, he could not catch the inspired American.
Montgomery pipped Fredericks (9.95) for third in the last few strides while one of the pre-race favourites, Ato Boldon, ran well below his best and could only finish fifth in 10.02.
