Marcell Jacobs has achieved a remarkable feat, running 9.67s in the 100m at the Raiffeisen Austrian Open on July 1, 2026. This time makes him the second-fastest man in history over 100m.
What happened?
The Italian athlete's time is slower than only Usain Bolt's record of 9.58s, set in 2012. Jacobs' run was recorded in a tailwind of +4.1m/s, which exceeds the legal limit of +2.0m/s.
Why it matters for Marcell Jacobs
Jacobs' achievement is significant, as it beats the time of 9.68s set by Tyson Gay at the 2008 US Olympic Trials. This performance will give Jacobs renewed optimism for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
Marcell Jacobs won Olympic gold in Tokyo in 2021 but didn't repeat his success in Paris three years later. He set a season's best time of 9.92s to qualify for the final but limped out due to cramps.
What comes next?
Jacobs told reporters, "I'm very happy because I'm improving with every race." He acknowledged the windy conditions but was thrilled to have achieved such a time, only beaten by Usain Bolt in history.
The fastest wind-assisted 100m times now include Jacobs' 9.67s, ahead of Tyson Gay's 9.68s. Other notable athletes on this list are Obadele Thompson, Andre De Grasse, and Asafa Powell.
Marcell Jacobs is now 31 years old and still competing at a high level. His recent performance in Austria will be a boost to his confidence as he looks to the future.
Jacobs' run can be seen online, with many fans and athletes praising his achievement. The Italian athlete will continue to train and prepare for upcoming competitions, including the Los Angeles Olympics.
The Raiffeisen Austrian Open was a significant event for Marcell Jacobs, marking a turning point in his career. He will look to build on this success and make a strong comeback in the world of track and field athletics.