Christian Coleman Chasing American Record in 100 Meters in 2018

By Adam Kopet

Christian Coleman believes he can break the American record and become the second-fastest man of all-time in the 100 meters in 2018, according to the BBC.

Coleman is coming off his first global title, winning the 60 meters at the IAAF World Indoor Championships. He ran under Maurice Greene's 1998 world record three times, finishing with a best of 6.34 seconds at the USATF Indoor Championships. He won the world title in 6.37 seconds.

MAURICE GREENE INTERVIEW DISCUSSING COLEMAN

Coleman's declaration comes less than a year after he captured a silver medal in the 100 at the IAAF World Outdoor Championships, where he beat the world record holder, Usain Bolt, but finished just behind fellow American Justin Gatlin.

Coleman has made big strides in his first full year as a professional athlete. He will be looking to improve on his collegiate-record performance of 9.82 at the NCAA Division 1 Outdoor Championships, his best time to date.

The BBC featured Coleman as he has committed to race the 100 at the Muller Anniversary Games in July.

Should Coleman break the American record, which is currently held by Tyson Gay at 9.69 seconds, Coleman would become the second-fastest man of all-time, behind the recently retired Bolt. Both Gay and Jamaica's Yohan Blake have run 9.69 seconds.

Coleman believes the American record is reachable this year, according to the BBC. However, Bolt's world record 9.58 will need to wait.