N/S (w/VIDEO): Usain Bolt says NO WAY that Ross beats him in the 40
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.freelapusa.com/how-fast-can-usain-bolt-run-the-40-yard-dash/amp/
Best approximation of Bolt's 40 time. 3.96.
Bear in mind Bolt is a sloppy runner. His starts are not always great, and his finishes you can see him pull up many times. The guy is so incredibly fast he rarely actually runs the perfect race.
https://youtu.be/o-urnlaJpOA Here he is in the Oympics setting a worlds record. A terrible start off the blocks and 20 meters of showboating, and still set a worlds record. Please. There is no way he gets beaten
I think it is also important to keep in mind however that while this man's analysis is highly detailed and thorough, the 3.96 time you have referenced is sort of the
near-best-case approximation based on the following:
1)
Average-case interpolation of distance relative to Bolt's imperfect acceleration.
-However, in an equally realistic worst-case scenario, this could potentially be an additional 0.011s to his time.
2)
An assumed time correction based on eliminating reaction time between Bolt's start and the timer's hand clock finish (0.14+0.10s).
-While this assumed calculation may be historically accurate in it's own right, I find it especially curious that one would attribute both of those adjustments. It makes sense that the timer's reaction time would add an extra 0.10 seconds, but I was under the impression that both Olympic sprints and Combine testing is officially measured by a laser finish, so that additional 0.10s credit would not be attributed in a comparison between Ross and Bolt. Additionally, I question the validity and consistency of such a credit since I more often find the opposite to be true. Unofficial
handtimes at the Pro Day and Combine more often than not benefit the runner, as opposed to what the article claims.
3)
It also discounts the running surfaces.
-He touched on this later in the article, conceding that Bolt's time conditions allowed for the use of blocks, track spikes, and an Olympic track. He concedes that changing stances and eliminating blocks might add a couple hundredths of a second, as well as a change in surfaces and shoes might amount to an additional couple of seconds. I would venture to guess that it might be more, since I've seen the difference they make having performed across the spectrum for both Football and Track. But let's assume he's accurate in that assessment. That's an additional 0.04s to add.
4)
This is based on Usain's fastest recorded sprint time.
-This is a big one. This is Usain at his absolute best. This is the fastest he's ever ran the 100m. Running in the Olympics provides a very distinct advantage over the Combine. Not only does it produce incredibly large crowds, amplifying adrenaline, but also gives Usain at least 7 lanes of "rabbits" to chase. Every track runner on the planet will tell you that you're capable of running your best only when you're chasing the best, or trying to stay in front of them. Not only does this time have the advantage of chasing the world's fastest human "rabbits", but the Combine itself isolates you entirely. Ross didn't get to chase anyone.
So let's take Bolt's calculated time of 3.96 and add in the additional changes I mentioned. All of a sudden that 3.96 becomes a 4.11, on Bolt's fastest day in his life. Then factor in that his combine 40 would likely consistently be slower, as well as Ross being faster if given someone to chase. I don't really know what that is worth, but I can tell you that it would be a lot closer than implied. Would Bolt still be the heavy favorite? Certainly, but at that short a distance, against Bolt's running style and long limbed stride, Ross could certainly edge one or two out of ten against him on a good day.
*It's certainly possible that Bolt's 100m strategy might give him slower splits than he could achieve if he was focused solely on the first 40 yards, but I would venture to guess that it doesn't, or would be more difficult to accomplish in a fair training time than you'd think. Pretty much all of the training I've seen and received on the 100m maintains that the first 40-50m is the sprinter's acceleration phase to reach top speed, and what separates the elite runners is their ability to then maintain that top speed for as long as possible through the remainder of the race. Bolt's long strides make the acceleration phase take longer, but makes maintaining that top speed easier, which is why many posters are commenting on his "poor starts" and "strong finishes" while the article itself mentions that Bolt's best race is the naturally the 200m.