Usain Bolt’s power output was off the charts in his 100m world record: study

Scientists in Mexico have calculated exactly how much power Usain Bolt generated in his 9.58-second gold-medal 100m win at the 2009 IAAF World Championships in Berlin, and needless to say, it was a lot.

In this shot from half a second into the 100m at the 2012 Olympics, Usain Bolt would be approaching an astounding power output of about 2,600 watts. Photo: Nick Webb.
In this shot from half a second into the 100m at the 2012 Olympics, Usain Bolt would be approaching an astounding power output of about 2,600 watts. Photo: Nick Webb.

Scientists in Mexico have calculated exactly how much power Usain Bolt generated in his 9.58-second 100m world-record win at the 2009 IAAF World Championships, and needless to say, it was a lot.

“Our calculated drag coefficient highlights the outstanding ability of Bolt,” the study’s co-author Jorge Hernandez told the Independent. “He has been able to break several records despite not being as aerodynamic as a human can be … the amount that was absorbed by drag is truly extraordinary.”

The researchers crunched the numbers and found that Bolt achieved a maximum power output of 2,619.5 watts less than one second into the race, when he was at half his top speed. Measuring power output in wattage is now a common instrument for tracking the performance of Tour de France cyclists, who average about 500 watts during the stages and can max out at about 1,500 watts on finishing sprints.

In his record-setting run, Bolt hit a terminal velocity of 12.2 metres per second and a force of 815.8 newtons, which approaches the force of a knockout punch by a heavyweight boxer. Amazingly, the study concluded that less than 8 per cent of Bolt’s energy expended during the race was used for motion – the remaining 92 per cent was absorbed by the drag of his 6-foot-5 frame.

Published in the European Journal of Physics, the study used data from the International Association of Athletics Federations’ (IAAF) laser velocity guard device, which tracked Bolt’s position and speed every one-tenth of a second in the 2009 Berlin race.

Bolt is racing the 100m today in London, U.K., at the IAAF Diamond League event and says he’s ready to put down a fast time (and some series wattage).

Man vs. Machines

Comparing Usain Bolt’s maximum power output to some common household appliances

Central air conditioner: 5,000 watts

Usain Bolt: 2,619.5 watts

Circular saw: 1,400 watts

Dishwasher: 1,200 watts

12” chain saw: 1,100 watts

Weed eater: 500 watts

Espresso machine: 360 watts

Curling iron: 90 watts

 

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