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Student Runs 100m Sprint Just 0.4 Seconds Slower Than Usain Bolt

Student Runs 100m Sprint Just 0.4 Seconds Slower Than Usain Bolt

Matthew Boling ran the incredible race in 9.98 seconds

Tom Wood

Tom Wood

An 18-year-old American student won a 100m sprint race with a time that is only 0.4 seconds slower than Usain Bolt's world record.

Matthew Boling ran the incredible race in 9.98 seconds, easily outsprinting everyone else in the race at a meet in Houston, Texas.

Unfortunately for the Strake Jesuit College Prep student, his time won't be classed as an official record because of the 4.2mph tailwind behind him, but his time is still the fastest time that any American under the age of 20 has ever achieved.

Not bad going.

Boling has the nickname 'White Lightning' and with this kind of speed at his disposal, you can see why.

He intends to try to qualify for his country at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo and if he keeps his progress going the way that it is, few would back against him achieving that goal.

On the starting line.
NFHS Network

However, the official record for Americans under 20 in the 100m dash still belongs to Trentavis Friday, who ran the distance in 10 seconds flat back in 2014.

After his exploits on the track, Boling told the Houston Chronicle: "It definitely felt good. My block start was pretty good and right out of the gate I knew it was going to be fast, so I decided to turn it up a little bit and ran my best. I was really happy with the time.

"I just have to get ready for that four seconds where I'm nervous and then, like, after that, it's just smooth."

That's fair enough. He has every right to be pleased with that time, even if it was slightly wind assisted.

So, what next for the young man? Well, as well as his Olympic dream, Boling plans to attend the University of Georgia in September and will presumably become a fixture immediately on their NCAA sprinting team.

See you later, guys.
NFHS Network

He's also got two weeks to prepare for the Texas state finals meet. You'd imagine his rivals are feeling somewhat nervous about facing him.

Of his nickname, Boling added: "Some people call me the bogeyman. I heard some people calling me the horseman. I've heard different stuff."

I think I'd prefer being known as 'White Lightning' to being called 'bogeyman' or 'horseman'. Just a matter of personal preference, I guess.

Naturally, his dad is pretty damn proud of him. Mark Boling told reporters that his son's speed and athleticism is definitely not genetic, telling them: "He just has a work ethic that is beyond anything I've ever seen from anybody."

Usain Bolt set the record back in 2009.
PA

Well, that's the sort of thing you'll need if you ever want to get close to the Lightning Bolt's record.

Featured Image Credit: Jetsuit College

Topics: US News