Christian Coleman set a new world record for the 60m at the US Indoor Championships in Albuquerque on Sunday night. The 21-year-old's time of 6.34 second broke Maurice Greene's 6.39 mark set 20 years ago and equalled by the same athlete in 2001
Congratulations to @__coleman new World Rec in 60m. I’m proud of you glad you did it. 6.34
— Maurice Greene OLY (@mauricegreene) February 19, 2018
Last month, Coleman thought he had broken the world record when he ran 6.37 at Clemson University. However, that time was not ratified by the IAAF as electronic starting blocks were not used for the race.
Ronnie Barker, who finished second to Coleman, moves to third on the all-time 60m list with his run of 6.40.
Coleman told the IAAF website that though his start was not perfect, he felt as good as he ever has at the midway point.
I was just trying to come out with the win. My start was decent. Every time, I feel like I’ve got a lot of work to do (coming out of the blocks). When I transitioned, I stood up, and I felt as good as I’ve ever felt. For it to be the world record was pretty special.
I just love this sport. It’s so competitive, and either you’ve got it or you don’t on this day. I just love racing in the big races, when everybody’s watching. I just flourish in those moments. It’s not really in my personality, but when the lights are on, it just comes out.
Remarkably, Coleman spread his arms in victory before he crossed the line. There could yet be another few hundredths of a second shaved off the record by the Olympic 100m silver medalist.
#USATFindoors ends with @__Coleman’s 6.34 record! #MoveOverMo pic.twitter.com/iiNbrgfQl3
— USATF (@usatf) February 19, 2018
