When An Indian Man ‘Ran’ Faster Than Usain Bolt

An Indian construction worker ‘beat’ Usain Bolt’s 100m world record by running across the same distance in just 9.55 seconds back in February.

Of course, this wasn’t at a World Athletics sanctioned event, but it was through a puddle of water while he was being dragged by two buffaloes, though.

That’s got to be worthy of some sort of record all of its own, right? Get in touch, Guinness.

Srinivasa Gowda, 28, is a construction worker from Karnataka, South India. He was taking part in the sport of Kambala, which is where folk sprint over a course that’s a bit more than 100m through rice fields – the aforementioned puddle of water – while holding onto two buffaloes for dear life

The Olympics, it ain’t. As a spectator sport though, it looks pretty exhilarating.

While Bolt’s world record currently stands at 9.58 seconds, set in Berlin in 2009, Gowda reportedly covered the whole distance of 142.4 metres in just 13.62 seconds.

That means he shaved a couple of milliseconds off Bolt’s world record, unofficially.

It probably wouldn’t go down too well with the other competitors, mind.

However, this could just be the beginning for Gowda. He was reportedly called up for national trials following his performance.

Sprinting, that is. There isn’t – as far as we’re aware – a Kambala world championships.

He told Asia News International: “People are comparing me to Usain Bolt. He is a world champion, I am only running in a slushy paddy field.”

Well, at least he’s remained humble following his great success.

The pictures of Gowda’s feat were shared online by Indian government minister Kiren Rijiu, who promised the best coaches the Indian sprinting team can find will coach their new superstar.

“I will ensure top national coaches to conduct his trials properly.

“We are team @narendramodi ji and will do everything to identify sporting talents.”