Usain Bolt didn't hesitate naming the best 100m race of all-time and it's not his world record

Usain Bolt had no doubt about what is the greatest 100m race in history - and it isn't the one where he set a world record.

Bolt is the fastest man on earth over 100 metres, having clocked in at a ridiculous 9.58 seconds at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin in 2009.

At the very same event, Bolt completed the 200 metres in 19.19 seconds to claim another world record that is unlikely to be broken in the future.

An 11-time world champion, Bolt also claimed eight Olympic gold medals in his incredible career on the track - incredible topping the podium in the men's 100 metres final at the 2012 showpiece in London.

And he is adamant that the race is the best in history because of the absolute star power and ability on show. Bolt was joined in the starting blocks by Tyson Gay, Justin Gatlin and compatriot Asafa Powell in many believe to be four of the top five 100m sprinters.

Speaking on the 'Ready Set go podcast' with Gatlin and Rodney Green, Bolt said: "After what we performed in 2012, the lineup in that race - are you kidding me bro? Just everybody in that race, the accolades and the level that we're at."

Gatlin was in agreement and made a point of how in basketball, Michael Jordan didn't cross over with LeBron James but that wasn't the case in this era of athletics.

"We were all in the same generation and we lined up at the same time," Gatlin opened.

"That was the most epic race when it came to legacy. I don't think you'll ever replicate that race ever again in life."

Bolt powered to a gold medal with a time of 9.63, with teammate Yohan Blake taking silver with a time of 9.75 and Gatlin having to settle for bronze after initially leading the race at the start.

Usain Bolt won a star-studded 100m final in 2012. Image: Getty

Bolt recalled: "In 2012 I was right beside him. He just took a step and he was one step ahead of me as soon as the gun went and I went, 'How is this even possible?'.

"It's a good thing I'm mentally tough. If you're not mentally tough and you see that, your vibe is broken immediately. He's a step in front of me as soon as the gun goes."

Gatlin was still leading the with around 50 metres remaining and admitted he was "already thinking about how I'm going to celebrate".

Yet it all changed in instance, with Gatlin adding: "But then the next thing I know is I see black and green on my left and black and green on my right and I'm like, 'Hold this ain't about to become a victory lap'."