Spoiler Alert: Christian Coleman’s 6.37 60m Mark Most Definitely Won’t Count as a World Record
By LetsRun.com
January 22, 2018
On Friday, US sprint star Christian Coleman ran the fastest time ever in the 60-meter dash when he ran 6.37 at Clemson, .02 of a second faster than Maurice Greene‘s 6.39 world record.
However, the mark most certainly won’t count as a world record.
Don’t believe the headlines
Why?
The IAAF rulebook (select “IAAF Competition Rules 2018-19” after clicking the link) is very clear in stating that for a world record to be ratified in an event at 400m or less, electronic starting blocks that record reaction times must be used. Here is what IAAF Rule 260.14 (e) states:
- For World Records in Running and Race Walking Events:
(e) For performances up to and including 400m (including 4 × 200m and 4 × 400m) under Rules 261 and 263, starting blocks linked to an IAAF certified Start Information System under Rule 161.2 must have been used and have functioned correctly so that reaction times were obtained and are shown on the results of the event.
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Coleman after his 6.37
There were no electronic starting blocks used at Clemson and no reaction times were recorded. So let there be no doubt — and we don’t enjoy our role as a party pooper — Coleman’s mark will never be accepted as a world record. Now Coleman’s mark very well may count as an American record. The USATF rulebook doesn’t list a requirement for reaction times.
It’s probably worth pointing out that even if reaction times had been recorded, it seems likely that Coleman’s mark wouldn’t have counted as world record anyway because there was no on-site drug testing. USATF only requires drug testing within 24 hours of an American record (and Coleman was drug tested a few hours after the event) but IAAF Rule 260.3 (e) states that for world records, an athlete must “submit to doping control at the end of the event.”
We should note, however, that the same language (“submit to a doping control at the end of the event”) is also in the USATF rulebook, so it’s possible the IAAF would accept Coleman’s test — which was conducted at a roadside stop between Clemson and Atlanta on Friday night. We reached out to WADA for clarification but have yet to hear back.
Of course, without electronic blocks, the drug test is a moot point as far as the world record is concerned.
Talk about Coleman’s great run in our fan forum/messageboard. MB: CHRISTIAN MF COLEMAN – COLEMAN OPENS 2018 WITH 6.37 WR!!!
Watch the record run below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzHnyK9r9t0