2011 World Track and Field Championships: Who Wins the Men's 100 Meter Dash?

Usain Bolt is still regarded as the fastest man in the world. But to say that he is a favorite in the 100 meter dash heading into Daegu, site of the 2011 World Track and Field Championships, is a bit of a stretch.

Yes, he has won races throughout the International Association of Athletic Federations Diamond League this summer.

But, it hasn't been in traditional Usain Bolt style.

Bolt's countryman Asafa Powell holds the world-leading time of 9.78 seconds, and Steve Mullings isn't too far behind with a time of 9.80 seconds.

Usain Bolt's seasonal best? 9.88

Not only does Bolt not have the fastest time in the world, but he doesn't even have the fastest time in his own country.

American sprinter Michael Rodgers also runs a faster race than Bolt at 9.85 seconds, and Jamaican Nesta Carter is only two one-hundreths of a second behind Bolt at 9.90 seconds.

While many long-time track and field fans will try to count out Powell as a big meet choker, Powell's world-leading time may give him enough confidence to rule out Bolt and ultimately become World Champion.

Daegu is still a couple weeks away, so Bolt still has time to get into World Champion form.

So will the rest of the field, however.

The world will be watching on August 28, 2011. Will Usain Bolt retain his title? Or will the fastest man ever find himself outmatched at the World Championships?

Only time will tell.