Except Usain Bolt, This Jamaican Track and Field Star Was Arguably One of the World’s Fastest Sprinters

While time has obfuscated the glories of many retired track and field legends, Usain Bolt’s legacy survives beyond his contemporaries. His ubiquitous presence in the sport is owed to the long-standing records that no one has yet been able to break. The Jamaican “Lightning Bolt” is still the closest analogy to DC’s Flash. However, in the previous golden age of the sport, he had a compatriot speedster who gave Usain Bolt staunch competition on the track.

Michael Frater was one of the successful tenets of the Jamaican track and field program. As part of the 4 × 100 meters relay team, he created the world record and Olympics record at two consecutive Games. However, his claim to fame lies in the rarified hemisphere of the 100m where the “fastest man” title is forged.

Michael Frater’s claim to the fastest man title despite Usain Bolt

The 100m race is an important event in a track and field athlete’s career, as it showcases agility and technique. Usain Bolt is the strongest proponent of domination in the 100m with the long-standing world record of 9.58secs. Although no one could reach the level of Bolt’s excellence, his countryman Michael Frater could not deny the challenge. Specializing in the 100m, Frater wanted his achievements to reflect his skills in the event. At one point this exemplary athlete came too close for comfort to Bolt. Fitzroy Dunkley, a retired 400m runner from Jamaica recently reminded the world of Michael Frater’s remarkable performance at the 100m event via a Facebook post.

He wrote, “Michael Frater’s 9.88 100m personal best makes him one of the fastest sprinters in Jamaican History. Most people remember some of the historical legs he put in on the 4x100m, notably the 4x100m world record of 36.84 done at the London Olympics in 2012. Frater was a force to be reckoned with in his individual event or as a part of Jamaica’s relay squad”. His influence over track and field is still strong and will come to the forefront at the Paris Olympics 2024.

Michael Frater’s track and field clout to increase

Michael Frater is now training Yohan Blake for his fourth Olympic campaign. Other than Blake he is also mentoring Briana Williams and Ackeem Blake. Yohan Blake is going to be the one to look out for in Paris. With a personal best of 9.69 seconds in the 100m race, he is poised to win the gold and surpass Bolt’s record.

Read More: Usain Bolt Once Dominated a Mixed Relay Event, Leaving Fellow Competitors in the Dust

Blake said, “To be honest, I know I have a lot left with me and I know I can spring some surprises. I am just really focusing on getting this year to start off on a good level”. Given his confidence and his skills, the Jamaican team is determined to dominate once more.

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