Usain Bolt's Record Shattered By NFL Star

October 30, 2024

Oct 30, 2024 | Edition #44

👋 Hey, Speedsters!

Track stars are back to reclaim the throne, and they’re faster than ever! The NFL vs. Track showdown over the 40-yard dash just hit a fever pitch as yet another young sprinter sped past Usain Bolt’s legendary mark. Whether it’s on lush fields or lightning-fast tracks, one thing’s clear—nobody beats sprinters at their own game!

And here’s the kicker: with NIL deals shaking things up, an Australian prodigy just joined the big leagues alongside Noah Lyles. Have you ever wondered how Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone shattered the 51-second hurdles barrier in 2022? Get ready to find out in today’s edition!

📜 QUOTE OF THE DAY

“If you don’t have confidence, you’ll always find a way not to win.”

— Carl Lewis

In today’s newsletter, we’ll uncover these top stories from Track & Field universe:

⚔️ NFL vs. Track Debate Settled!

✨ Inspiration Behind Sydney’s Record

🫡 Allyson Felix Paving the Way for the ‘Future’

😲 16-Year-Old Gout Gout’s Big Career Move!

🗣️ Debate of the day

Iowa Sprinter’s 40-Yard Dash Ignites NFL vs. Track Debate

The Iowa Hawkeyes’ Sunday game against Northwestern was no ordinary event. It became historic at halftime when Iowa sprinter Kalen Walker clocked an astounding 4.15 seconds in the 40-yard dash—the second-fastest unofficial time ever! In case you missed it, here is a video capturing the incredible feat.

Walker’s time was a full 0.07 seconds faster than Usain Bolt’s 4.22, though still shy of Christian Coleman’s record of 4.12.

The NFL vs. Track speed debate has been heating up all year, fueled by Xavier Worthy’s 4.21 sprint at the NFL Combine, which officially became the fastest Combine time ever and even edged Bolt's 4.22 by a mere 0.01! But it's worth noting that Bolt, casually dressed in jeans, clocked that time in 2019, years after his retirement.

Meanwhile, a potential showdown between track star Noah Lyles and Miami Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill looms, with Hill famously challenging Bolt to a 40-yard dash himself.

So, who’s truly faster? The stats tell us that track athletes still dominate. While NFL speeds are impressive, with Tyreek Hill reaching a top speed of 23.24 mph, track stars outpace them significantly. Christian Coleman has clocked 26.84 mph, Fred Kerley 26.66 mph, and Oblique Seville 26.41 mph in the 100m finals.

Even Justin Gatlin claims to have run a 40-yard dash in 4.20 seconds. It’s safe to say the debate is settled for now: track hold the crown!

.

📊 POLL OF THE DAY

Usain Bolt, known for his record-breaking speeds on the track, pulled off a surprising feat when he ran a 40-yard dash in casual clothes! So here is today’s trivia:

What Year Did Usain Bolt Casually Run a 4.22-second 40-yard Dash?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Last Poll’s Result: In our last poll, we asked: "What happens if a runner drops the baton in a relay?" A solid 72% of you said, “No problem—they can pick it up and keep running!” And you nailed it! Runners can retrieve the baton as long as they stay in their lane and avoid interfering with others. Key rules include retrieving the baton and passing it within the exchange zone to avoid disqualification.

✨ Record-Breaking Feats

How Flo-Jo’s Sister-In-Law Inspired Sydney’s Record Win

Even the fiercest athletes can feel the jitters on the track! Just ask Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. During the pandemic, she faced her share of challenges, and as she stepped into the spotlight at the Tokyo Olympics, anxiety crept in. “Am I showing any symptoms?” she wondered, hyperaware of her every move.

Yet, despite the nerves, Sydney rose to the occasion, capturing two gold medals and setting a world record in the hurdles. However, with that triumph came the weight of expectations for her next race at the 2022 World Championships.

Facing tough competitors like the veteran Dalilah Muhammad and the rising star Femke Bol only added to the pressure. But Sydney found her source of strength in a familiar voice: Jackie Joyner-Kersee, the sister-in-law of the late Florence Griffith Joyner.

In her book, ‘Far from Gold’, Sydney shares how Jackie inspired her to focus on and create an extraordinary legacy like Flo-Jo’s. Although the exact words remain a mystery, Jackie’s encouragement was enough to help Sydney channel her nerves into determination.

She wasn’t alone in her journey. Bobby Kersee, who Sydney recalls, "called and talked as if the race were already over and I'd accomplished my goals." With that support fueling her, Sydney stepped onto the track and delivered a stunning performance, smashing the world record with a remarkable time of 50.68 seconds—the first woman ever to reach this benchmark! And also her 4th WR in the past 13 months!

As she crouched on the track, elbows resting on her knees, Sydney took a moment to soak it all in. This wasn’t just a win; it was a powerful reminder that with resilience, support, and a little inspiration from the legends who came before her, anything is possible!

📽️ Video Vault

Allyson Felix's Inspiring Health Journey!

At 32 weeks into her pregnancy, 7-time Olympic gold medalist Allyson Felix received the devastating news of severe preeclampsia. Unaware of the heightened risks for women of color, she faced this challenge with strength and resilience. Driven by her experience, she is on a mission to shed light on this issue and protect other women. Learn more about the powerful steps she took for her daughter and all women of color!

🏅Beyond the Medals

Allyson Felix's New Program: A Lifeline for Moms

Allyson Felix, a fierce mother to little Camryn, passionately declares, "You should never have to choose between your profession, your passions, and motherhood." With this mantra, she has teamed up with the non-profit Chamber of Mothers to revolutionize the way we support moms. In North Carolina, where Hurricane Helene left its mark, they’ll provide childcare reimbursement for mothers as they step out to vote, ensuring that every voice is heard and every mother is supported.

Felix is not just talking the talk; she’s leading the charge in transformative childcare initiatives. This year, the 11-time Olympic medalist made history by launching the first-ever Olympic village nursery, creating a nurturing space where athlete moms can bond with their little ones and breastfeed in peace. In 2022, she partnered with Athleta and &Mother to provide free childcare for USATF athletes, coaches, and staff. Plus, with the Women's Sports Foundation, she helped secure $10,000 in childcare grants for female athletes, paving the way for a brighter future.

As a champion for athlete moms, Felix reveals "I felt like I had to win all the medals, do all the things, before I could even think about starting a family, and that's something that I don't want my daughter to feel." Her own journey has fueled her fire; after announcing her pregnancy, Nike slashed her pay by 70%, igniting her determination to forge her own path. Here is a video that captures how she turned a Nike snub into success.

She turned to Athleta, launched her own female-focused shoe brand, Saysh, and has relentlessly sought ways to empower mothers in sports.

🏃🏻‍➡️ NCAA News

Gout Gout: Adidas Signs the Next Star Sprinter!

Already dubbed the 'next Usain Bolt,' Gout Gout just took a major leap forward in his athletic career! At just 16 years old, this Australian sensation has signed a NIL deal with Adidas, placing him among the elites. As the 2024 U20 World Silver medalist in the 200m, he’s now one of the youngest athletes to go pro. Remarkably, his personal best of 20.60 in the 200m surpassed Bolt's time at the same age, making his early professional debut all the more intriguing.

While his resume is still in its early stages, Gout Gout's achievements are impressive. He’s currently the second-fastest Australian in the 200m this year, trailing only Calab Law. However, many believe he has yet to fully tap into his potential. So, why did Adidas choose to partner with him so soon?

The trend of young athletes signing professional deals is clearly on the rise, with names like Christian Miller and the Raye sisters making waves. Even Cameron Myers signed with Nike at 17 and has since thrived. The history of stars starting young is notable, too: Dina Asher-Smith, Usain Bolt, and Allyson Felix all signed pro contracts at 16 or 17.

Gout Gout's early signing reflects a savvy move by Adidas. He embodies the brand’s forward-thinking ethos, and partnering with a rising star positions them to attract a younger audience eager for fresh talent. Additionally, Gout Gout now joins the ranks of Adidas’ Noah Lyles, who began his career early as well. Just imagine a brand campaign or a shoot featuring these two trailblazers!

But what fans are really eager to see is them face-off on the track. With Gout Gout's 100m time already clocking in faster than Lyles’ at the under-18 level, the excitement is palpable. The future looks bright for this wunderkind!

📝 Highlighted Stories!

  1. Nike Makes Fresh Investment In Track And Field For Upcoming NCAA Season - Full Story

  2. Fred Kerley Confesses Why Child Prodigies Like Quincy Wilson Don’t Make It Big in Track and Field- Full Story

  3. Newly Engaged, Noah Lyles’ Fiancee Apologizes for Crucial Error - Full Story

  4. Another 16-Year-Old Track Phenom Makes Major Career Move - Full Story

  5. Actor Colin Farell’s $690K Charity Marathon Received Major Support From Ireland’s Top Police Officers - Full Story

That’s it for today, folks! We’ll look to knock on your inbox soon with more interesting stories!

💌 FEEDBACK

How Did You Enjoy Today’s Newsletter?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.