James Ray Hines was an American track and field athlete and National Football League (NFL) player, who held the 100-meter world record for 15 years. In 1968, he became the first man to officially break the 10-second barrier in the 100 meters, and won individual and relay gold at the Mexico City Olympics.
Hines in 1968
The 100 metres, or 100-meter dash, is a sprint race in track and field competitions. The shortest common outdoor running distance, the 100-meter (109.36 yd) dash is one of the most popular and prestigious events in the sport of athletics. It has been contested at the Summer Olympics since 1896 for men and since 1928 for women. The inaugural World Championships were in 1983.
Start of the men's 100 metres final at the 2012 Olympic Games in London
Start (green) and end (red) points of a 100 metre race, marked on a running track
Male sprinters await the starter's instructions
Usain Bolt breaking the world and Olympic records at the 2008 Beijing Olympics