Bolt: I would have run 100 metres in under 9.5 seconds with 'super spikes'

Usain Bolt has claimed that he would have run the 100 metres in under 9.5 seconds if he had worn 'super spikes' during his career.

The Nike Air Zoom Victory shoes, also known as 'super spikes', have generated enormous controversy for enabling runners to record quicker times, and Bolt believes that he would have been able to comfortably beat his world record time of 9.58 seconds.

"[My time would be] below 9.5 seconds for sure. Without a doubt," said Bolt in an interview with The Guardian.

He stated that he is not worried about his record being broken due by a runner wearing the shoes, as he can't change the situation.

"How can I argue if World Athletics decide that it's legal?," he said.

"I can't do anything about it. The rules are the rules. I don't think I'll be fully happy, but it's just one of those things."

The conflict over new shoe technology

'Super spikes' are just one example of the conflict that has engulfed athletics in recent times over new shoe technology, with a number of major organisations aiming to produce the lightest, most sophisticated models adapted perfectly to athletes.

A clear example of this controversy arose when Eliud Kipchoge became the first man to break the two-hour marathon barrier in Vienna in 2019, as he wore shoes that had been prohibited by World Athletics.