Coleman, Baker produce fastest 60-meter race in history to cap nationals in explosive fashion

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor 

A month’s worth of speculation about the validity of starting blocks, “zero gun” tests and potential record ratification by the IAAF was erased in 6.34 seconds Sunday by Christian Coleman at the USATF Indoor Championships.

Coleman had set a potential world record by running 6.37 in the men’s 60-meter dash Jan. 19 at the Clemson Invitational, but the lack of electronic starting blocks and the absence of a “zero gun” test to authenticate the automatic timing system prevented USATF from submitting the mark for world record ratification.

After making 6.46 in the prelims look easy and cruising through the semifinals in 6.42, Coleman surged ahead of last year’s national champion Ronnie Baker in the final 20 meters to officially eclipse Maurice Greene’s standard of 6.39, which he achieved in 1998 and 2001.

The usually reserved Coleman then erupted in celebration down the straightaway at the Albuquerque Convention Center after prevailing in the fastest race in history, with Baker taking second in 6.40, making him the No. 3 all-time performer.

“When I transitioned and stood up, I felt as good as I’ve ever felt. I just kept running and saw the tape and dipped at the line. To get the world record was pretty special,” Coleman said. “I just love this sport and it’s so competitive and it’s either you got it or you don’t on this day. I love racing in the big races when everybody is watching and I just flourish in those moments. That’s not really my personality, but when all the lights are on, it just comes out.”

Coleman, who captured the Bowerman award following his junior year at Tennessee, equaled the 1999 collegiate 60 record of 6.45 set by BYU’s Leonard Myles-Mills in March.

Less than a year later, Coleman is the fastest indoor sprinter in history, with he and Baker looking to produce an American sweep of the top two spots March 3 at the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Birmingham, U.K.

“I knew it was going to take something special, obviously, you know Ronnie darn near ran the world record,” Coleman said. “I’ve put in a lot of work to work on my top-end speed and also my acceleration at the start. Once I stood up and started running, that’s where everything comes naturally to me. I was just wanting to win and the world record was icing on the cake, really.”

Baker secured the title last year in 6.45, but despite his improvement, was left unsatisfied by the outcome.

“It’s great, it’s motivation, I love it. I love the crowd and I love the fact that he did it while I was in the race. That guy is a true competitor, seriously, and it’s awesome to see,” Baker said. “But I’m a competitor and I don’t like to take second, so it’s frustrating. But like I said, I’ll see him in two weeks.”

The U.S. hasn’t captured gold and silver in the men’s 60 at World Indoors since Tim Harden and Tim Montgomery achieved the feat in 2001, but Coleman and Baker are up for the challenge.

“He’s so talented and I feel like the U.S. is in good hands,” Coleman said. “He really pushed me and it’s going to be a good race in Birmingham as well, I was just happy to come out with the win (Sunday).

“It’s been a fun weekend and it was all building up to this moment right here and it was a lot of fun. I knew it would be a special race and I was really excited.”