Usain Bolt DQ'd in World Championships 100-Meter Final

All the favorites had advanced through the semifinal rounds at the 2011 World Track and Field Championships in Daegu, South Korea. Granted, the men's 100-meter finals field was a bit watered-down with the absence of Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell, who were out with injuries.

Still, Usain Bolt, who this year had produced only the world's seventh-fastest time, displayed a pre-race body language— laced with animation— reminiscent of his former self. It was worthy of the moment, and for a brief instant, many thought Bolt was again about to shock the world.

And the world indeed was shocked.

Bolt false-started, and under a recent zero-tolerance rule, was disqualified. He left the track without protest. He immediately knew he was the guilty party, pulled his jersey over his face and voluntarily found his way to the exit.

Bolt's countryman, Yohan Blake eventually won the race in 9.92 seconds, running into a stiff headwind. American Walter Dix took silver in 10.08.

Perhaps the biggest headline-grabber was the controversial rule itself. Track's governing body, the IAAF, had instituted the rule two years ago—against much protest—with the intent of speeding up the action for the benefit of television. Previously, a runner earned a second chance, as the entire field was charged with his violation. From that point, the next offender was eliminated.

It is almost certain this rule will be run through the mill again before the 2012 London Olympics.

Bolt will get a chance to redeem himself next weekend in the men's 200-meter dash and the 4x100 relay.

Other developments:

Trey Hardee and Ashton Eaton (USA) went one-two in the decathlon.

Brittney Reese (USA) won the women's long jump at 22' - 4.5".

Ethiopian Ibrahim Jeilan surprised Britain's Mo Farah in the men's 10,000-meter race, nipping him at the tape in 27:13.81.

Men's 200m Schedule -

 Heats, Thursday Sep 1, 10:10 PM
Semifinals, Friday Sep 2, 6:55 AM
Final, Saturday Sep 3, 8:20 AM

 ~ For some great previews on the other athletes to watch, go here and here

 ~ Here's an easy-view World Championships schedule (scroll down) pdf file.

What: 2011 World Track and Field Championships
When: August 27 - September 4, 2011
Where: Daegu, South Korea
Coverage (Online and TV): details here.

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