Audio By Carbonatix
Usain Bolt was beaten into second place by America’s Christian Coleman in his 100m semi-final at the World Athletics Championships, but still qualified for the final in 9.98 seconds.
The 30-year-old ran in the third of three semi-finals after rivals Yohan Blake and Justin Gatlin had earlier progressed to the final, along with Britain’s Reece Prescod.
There were concerns over Bolt’s form going into the tournament following some lacklustre displays earlier in the season. But a strong finish in Friday’s heat suggested that the eight-time Olympic gold medallist was still the clear favourite to win gold in London.
But a stunned crowd inside the London Stadium in Stratford were left wondering whether Bolt might finally be beaten in a major final as he struggled into second place in a competitive semi.

USA’s Coleman exploded out of the blocks and glanced across at Bolt as he crossed the line, letting the main man know that he has some serious competition to finish his career with another gold medal.
The defeat is the first time in four years that Bolt has been beaten on the track, despite 9.98 being only the second time this season that he has dipped under 10 seconds.
The final will be the final act of Saturday night's session in London, and will be Bolt’s final ever solo race. Next weekend’s relay final is set to be the Jamaican's final appearance on the track before retiring.
Latest Stories
-
Firefighters subdue blaze at Accra’s Tudu, officials warn of busy fire season ahead
22 minutes -
New Year’s Luv FM Family Party in the park ends in grand style at Rattray park
27 minutes -
Mahama targets digital schools, universal healthcare, and food self-sufficiency in 2026
34 minutes -
Ghana’s global image boosted by our world-acclaimed reset agenda – Mahama
55 minutes -
Full text: Mahama’s New Year message to the nation
55 minutes -
The foundation is laid; now we accelerate and expand in 2026 – Mahama
1 hour -
There is no NPP, CPP nor NDC Ghana, only one Ghana – Mahama
1 hour -
Eduwatch praises education financing gains but warns delays, teacher gaps could derail reforms
2 hours -
Kusaal Wikimedians take local language online in 14-day digital campaign
2 hours -
Stop interfering in each other’s roles – Bole-Bamboi MP appeals to traditional rulers for peace
3 hours -
Playback: President Mahama addressed the nation in New Year message
3 hours -
Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union call for strong work ethics, economic participation in 2026 new year message
5 hours -
Crossover Joy: Churches in Ghana welcome 2026 with fire and faith
5 hours -
Traffic chaos on Accra–Kumasi Highway leaves hundreds stranded as diversions gridlock
5 hours -
Luv FM Family Party in the Park: Hundreds of families flock to Luv FM family party as more join the queue in excitement
5 hours
