abstract
- In major events, such as Olympic Games and World Championships, support staff deliver yet to sprinters reports on their kinematics. However, quasi-physical models and other analytical procedures [1] may help sprinters having a deeper insight on their performances. The comparison of the 100m dash by the World and European record holders computing one of these models has not yet been reported.
- The aim was to employ a quasi-physical model to analyse the performance and biomechanics of the World and European records at the 100m dash in Athletics. At the time of this research, the World record was hold by Usain Bolt (Jamaica) with 9.58s and the European record 9.86s by Francis Obikwelu (Portugal). The analysis of the performance employs a quasi-physical model that feature the drive, maintenance, velocity and drag terms. Obikwelu showed a slower start (drive term) and Bolt a lower rate of deceleration over the race (propulsive term). The velocity and drag terms were higher for Bolt. Correcting the race time for a hypothetical null wind speed, Bolt´s time would have been 9.62s (i.e. a 0.04s impairment) and 9.89s for Obikwelu (i.e. a 0.03s impairment).