News Americas, DAEGU, Korea, Sun. Aug. 28, 12:27: The reigning World champion, Jamaica’s Usain ‘Lightning’ Bolt, is out of the race.
Bolt, 25, was disqualified from the 100-m semi-final for false starting at the Daegu stadium.
“I have nothing to say right now. I need some time,” said Bolt following the stunning disqualification that saw him bolt of the blocks before the gun.
The IAAF also expressed disappointment with the false-start but said “it is important to remember that a sport’s credibility depends on its rules, and they must also be applied consistently and fairly for ALL athletes.”
The race was won by Bolt’s countryman and training partner Yohan Blake, who clocked 9.92 seconds into a stiff headwind, well off Bolt’s world record of 9.58 seconds.
The international federation’s “one false start and you’re out” rule became official on Jan. 1, 2010. It was designed to help television broadcasters whose schedule was disrupted every time an athlete jumped the gun. The rule in effect from 2001-2009 charged the first false start to the field, and then the next would result in disqualification.
Bolt is, however, the odds-on favorite in the 200-m Friday.
