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
-
SOEs must hold AGMs, not just submit audited accounts – Deloitte Partner
6 minutes -
There are errors in SIGA report that affected its conclusions – Miracles Aboagye
19 minutes -
Joy FM Back-to-School Fair gains momentum as Day 2 gets underway
33 minutes -
Bright Simons fires back, rejects claims he used AI to critique SIGA report
43 minutes -
SIGA did not conjure or manufacture figures – Prof Kpessa-Whyte
1 hour -
Government just put a spin on SIGA report – Miracles Aboagye
1 hour -
Gideon Boako: Cocoa farmers deserve better support
1 hour -
Big Chef Season 5: Two contestants face exit in Jollof Challenge
2 hours -
SIGA’s ‘massive turnaround’ claim not borne out by data – Bright Simons
2 hours -
Nhyiaeso Chief assures support to end encroachment on utility corridors in Kumasi
2 hours -
Two lorry station masters arrested over alleged plot to kill creditor over ₵91k debt
2 hours -
SIGA’s claim on highest audited proportion inaccurate – Bright Simons
2 hours -
Money bouquets, spraying and dancing on cash unlawful – BoG warns
3 hours -
Sam George pushes for nationwide 4G upgrade of rural telephony sites
3 hours -
Local Government Ministry to support MMDAs to deliver gov’t agenda
3 hours