Jim Hines was the first man to break the 10-second barrier in the 100 meters sprint with automatic timing. His achievement in the 1968 Summer Olympics paved the way for other athletes to push themselves to their limits and break records. Hines’ legacy lives on in the world of sprinting, and his contribution to the sport will always be remembered.
The Night Of Speed
The Night of Speed was a historic moment in the world of sprinting. On June 20, 1968, Jim Hines, Ronnie Ray Smith, and Charles Greene all broke the 10-second barrier in the 100 meters sprint. Hines recorded the first legal electronically timed sub-10 second 100 m in winning the 100 meters at the 1968 Olympics while Bob Hayes ran a wind-assisted 9.91 seconds at the 1964 Olympics.
Hines’ Record
Hines’ time of 9.95 seconds in the 100 meters final at the 1968 Olympics was the fastest electronic time to that point and was recognized as a new world record. However, it was later corrected to 9.89 seconds, which was taken from a light beam across the finish line. It wasn’t until 1977 that fully automatic timing was required for world records. Hines’ record lasted for 15 years.
The Speed Gene
Scientists later discovered that black sprinters, mostly of West African descent, benefit from the presence of the alpha-actinin-3 protein or ACTN3 gene, dubbed the “speed gene.” This gene makes muscles twitch fast, which is critical for sprints. While lacking the ACTN3 protein does not have any negative health effects, it improves running ability.
Environmental Factors
While genetics play a significant role in athletic performance, environmental factors and access to training facilities can also make a difference. Countries where sprinters thrive have built a culture around sprints where sprinters are respected, and they have invested in facilities for training. This is why athletes from other parts of the world have been able to break the 10-second barrier, even without the speed gene.
In conclusion, Jim Hines’ achievement in breaking the 10-second barrier in the 100 meters sprint was a historic moment that paved the way for other athletes to push themselves to their limits and break records. While genetics play a significant role in athletic performance, environmental factors and access to training facilities can also make a difference. Hines’ legacy lives on in the world of sprinting, and his contribution to the sport will always be remembered.
