Every four years, the field of sprinters competing in the women’s 100 meters generate lots of excitement and electrifying moments at the Summer Games. Judging by the first round of races on Friday, the Paris Olympics won’t be any different.
U.S. sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson made her Olympic debut, clocking 10.94 seconds in her first heat. Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who captured silver in the event at the Tokyo Games, finished second (10.92) in her heat on Friday behind Ivorian Marie Josée Dominique Ta Lou-Smith (10.87). Jamaican sprinter Elaine Thompson-Herah, who captured gold in both the 100 and 200 meters at the Tokyo Olympics, will not compete in this year’s Summer Games due to an Achilles injury the 32-year-old suffered. Her fellow Jamaican teammate, Shericka Jackson, is her replacement for Team Jamaica.
As the world-class sprinters compete for this year’s gold medals and the chance to write another chapter into a storied book of track and field greatness, one record still has yet to be touched in the Olympics.
Florence Griffith-Joyner’s 1988 record time (10.49) in the Olympic trials still remains intact 36 years later. However, could this be the year that one of this year’s elite sprinters eclipse the mark? Let's revisit Flo-Jo's historic mark.
Revisiting the Mark
Before Sha’Carri Richardson, Marion Jones, Carmelita Jeter, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce or Elaine Thompson-Herrah, there was Griffith-Joyner. When Flo-Jo ran the women’s 100 meters in a blistering 10.49 seconds in the first race of the 1988 U.S. Olympic Track and Field trials at IU Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium, it was an incredible time. Thirty-six years later, Griffith-Joyner’s mark in the 1988 Olympic trials still sits as the fastest time ever in the women’s 100 meters.
After putting her competition and the world on notice in the 1988 Olympic trials, Griffith-Joyner carried that momentum over to the Seoul Olympics, where she captured three gold medals– women’s 200 meters, 100 meters and the 4x100 relay in an all-around spectacular performance on the track.
She also broke the world record for the 200 meters at the 1988 Summer Olympics.
The World Record: Controversy and Debate
While Flo-Jo's record is still the fastest time ever in the 100 meters, there have been suspicions about the wind gauge reading at the 1988 Olympic trials. This is the main reason why there has been so much debate over the validity of the record. Some believe that the reading of 0.0 m/s was incorrect due to the very high wind readings recorded during other races both before and after Flo-Jo’s run. Others believe that even with an incorrect reading, the wind was still within the allowable limit, meaning that Flo-Jo's record remains valid.
There are many who still believe Flo-Jo's record is unbreakable. They point to the fact that she was in top physical condition, and she had a new training regimen that helped her achieve her peak performance.
Could It Be Broken This Year?
It may be a long shot, but with a talented field of sprinters competing in Paris this year, could one of the competitors break Flo-Jo's record? This year's field of sprinters boasts some of the fastest women in the world, and they’re all looking to make their mark on history.
There are a few sprinters who could potentially challenge Flo-Jo's record. Sha’Carri Richardson is one of the favorites to win the gold medal, and she’s already clocked the fastest time in the world this year. Shericka Jackson ran the second-fastest 200-meter time in history last year. And Thompson-Herah, who's recovering from her injury, has previously come close to breaking Flo-Jo's record.
The Future of Women’s 100 Meters
Even if no one breaks Griffith-Joyner's record this year, the future of women’s 100 meters is bright. The competition is fierce, and the athletes are constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible. With more and more women breaking into the sub-11 second range, the possibility of a new world record seems very real. We may just need a few more years for the right athlete to emerge and run the perfect race.
With so much talent in the field, the women’s 100 meters at the Paris Olympics promises to be an exciting event. It could be the year that a new record is set, or it could be the year that Griffith-Joyner's record remains unbreakable for at least a few more years. But one thing is certain: the race will be a thrilling one to watch.
The Legacy of Florence Griffith-Joyner
Flo-Jo, as she was affectionately known, is still considered one of the greatest track and field athletes of all time. She was a role model for many young athletes, and her legacy continues to inspire the next generation of sprinters.
Her records are still a source of inspiration for athletes around the world, and her name remains synonymous with speed and athletic excellence. Even as the sport of track and field continues to evolve, Florence Griffith-Joyner's legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.
Although her life was tragically cut short, Griffith-Joyner's mark on the sport will last a lifetime. She will forever be remembered for her speed, her beauty, and her commitment to excellence.
For now, Flo-Jo's record is still the gold standard, and it is up to the athletes of today to decide whether or not it will be broken. This year’s Paris Olympics will certainly be a thrilling race to watch.
