Bob Hayes' Sub-9 Second Relay

About

Bob Hayes' performance in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics is legendary, particularly in the 4x100m relay. Although there is no official record of him running a sub-9 second anchor leg, his speed was phenomenal. Hayes took the baton in fifth place and brought the U.S. team to victory, setting a new world record of 39.0 seconds. His estimated time for the anchor leg ranged from 8.6 to 8.9 seconds, which remains one of the fastest in history. Hayes' remarkable speed and determination made his Olympic performance unforgettable. His unorthodox sprinting style, often slow out of the blocks but incredibly powerful once in stride, allowed him to power past competitors. Despite challenges, including a leg injury and less-than-ideal track conditions, Hayes dominated the 100m and 4x100m relay events, earning two gold medals. His legacy extends beyond track, as he later became a successful NFL player, winning a Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys.