IAAF may not ratify Coleman's record

Carolina, January 25: World silver medallist Christian Coleman stunned the athletics world last week when he sped to a 6.37 world record over 60M at the Clemson Invitational in South Carolina.

If ratified, his performance would take 0.02 off the world record that was set in 1998 - and then equalled in 2001 - by Maurice Greene.

WORLD RECORD!! 6.37s. Great start to my career. Thank You God🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/fUZQEpuPgw

— Christian Coleman (@__coleman) January 20, 2018

But since the record is subject to usual International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) ratification process, questions remain as to whether the run will be considered.

Electronic starting blocks, along with doping testing, are two of the requirements for a world record, according to USA Track and Field official Duffy Mahoney.

But Mark Elliott, the head coach at Clemson University, where world silver medalist Coleman ran, said while the blocks used in the race were certified they were not electronic, which is typical for college meetings.

"All I can tell you is he ran the world record time," Elliott said. "It was an amazing run ....almost unbelievable."

Mahoney said it would be up to the IAAF to determine record ratification.

Mahoney said it was also possible Coleman's mark could become an American record even if the IAAF does not ratify it because the organizations have different criteria

Making his first competitive appearance of the year, Coleman had hinted that something special was on the cards when he won his heat in 6.47.

One hour and 40 minutes later, Coleman - who finished one place ahead of Usain Bolt in the 100M at the IAAF World Championships London 2017 - was back on track for the final, which he went on to win in 6.37.

The 21-year-old set his previous best of 6.45 when winning the NCAA indoor 60M title last year. Outdoors, he went on to clock a 100m PB of 9.82 before earning silver medals in the 100m and 4x100m at the World Championships in London.

(With Agency & IAAF inputs)