3D simulation shows what a 100m race would look like between the average person and Usain Bolt

A 3D simulation that shows what a 100m race would look like if Usain Bolt clocked his world record speed alongside the average person will give a unique perspective into his remarkable feat.

At the 2009 IAAF World Championship in Berlin, Bolt shocked the world when he crossed the finish line in 9.58 seconds.

Clocking an average ground speed of 37.58km/h whilst reaching a top speed of 44.72km/h, the Jamaican runner entered the record books, just months after his 9.69s race at the Beijing Olympics.

Bolt still holds that world record for the men's 100m, as well as the 200m sprints and 4x100m relay.

But that astonishing 9.58s remains arguably the biggest achievement of his phenomenal career.

Image credit: Alamy

So, what would that record-breaking run look like if you compared it to a 100m sprint by the average person? Well, YouTube channel Speed Showdown has delivered.

The experiment shows a variety of camera angles of the virtual race, including a POV from Robert Smith, who is labelled the so-called 'average' person.

Smith, of course, is dominated by the speed and power of Bolt, who was already a few seconds ahead after just 15m.

"Kept up with Bolt for the first meter, good effort Rob," said one YouTube user, while another commented: "I feel like a good amount of everyday people can get 12-13 seconds if they're active in sports."

You can watch the footage from that 3D race below:

Earlier this month, Bolt named the Manchester United player who could beat him in a sprint over 20 yards.

The 36-year-old United fan, who trained with Norwegian side Stromsgodset and later Central Coast Mariners, scoring twice in a friendly match for the Australian club, took part in this year's Soccer Aid event.

And before kick-off, he spoke about his time at the Carrington training base and being challenged to races by players.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Darren Bent asked him: "I read an article where you said that Rashford could beat you over 20 yards, is that correct?"

Bolt replied: "Yeah! Rashford is quick out the blocks, that is what he does. He has that burst of speed but after that, I told him, you could probably get me in 20 [yards]. But after that, it is over!"

Topics: Usain Bolt, Athletics, Jamaica

Jack Kenmare

Senior Journalist at SPORTbible with a passion for long-form journalism. Almost 10 years’ experience across online and print.

@jackkenmare_