Marcell Jacobs blasted a 9.67‑second 100 m on 2 July 2026 at the Austrian Open in Eisenstadt, delivering the fastest time of his career and the second‑quickest ever recorded, wind‑assisted or not.

What happened at the Austrian Open?

The Italian sprint champion entered the final with a wind‑aided 9.84 in his heat. In the final, a +4.1 m/s tailwind pushed the field, but Jacobs surged after a shaky start to cross the line first, edging out Romell Glave by roughly a metre. His winning time of 9.67 seconds eclipsed every mark he’s posted in legal wind conditions.

How does the wind affect the time?

World Athletics only recognises performances with a tailwind of +2.0 m/s or less. Jacobs’ +4.1 m/s assistance means the 9.67 cannot become an official record, yet it still ranks him just behind Usain Bolt’s 9.63 wind‑assisted sprint. The wind gave a noticeable boost, but the athlete’s acceleration phase and top‑speed maintenance were decisive.

Who were the competitors?

Britain’s Romell Glave finished second in 9.76, while South African Wayde van Niekerk, the 400 m world‑record holder, took third with 9.83. Japan’s Yoshihide Kiryu placed fourth in 9.99, Germany’s Owen Ansah was fifth at 10.00, and host‑nation runner Markus Fuchs rounded out the top six in 10.09. All six athletes posted sub‑10‑second times, underscoring the race’s high calibre.

What does this mean for Jacobs' season?

The performance signals that Jacobs has reclaimed his sprinting edge after a period of injury‑related setbacks. Even without record eligibility, a 9.67 puts him in striking distance of the world‑record pace and suggests he will be a serious contender at upcoming Diamond League meets and the World Championships later this year. Coaches will likely focus on refining his start, the only phase where he briefly lagged behind his rivals.

What’s next for the Italian champion?

Jacobs is slated to compete at the European Grand Prix in Paris on 15 July, where wind conditions are expected to be legal. A strong showing there could cement his status as the pre‑event favourite for the 2026 World Championships in Eugene. Fans will be watching to see if he can translate this wind‑assisted flash into a legal sub‑9.80 sprint.