Jamaica 's Alex Bolt sets 100 m world record of 9.72 seconds in New York . Fellow - Jamaican Asafa Powell held the previous world record of 9.74 seconds . The lanky 1.95 meter Bolt had produced his previous best performances before this year over 200 meters and finished second to Gay at this distance in last year 's world championships . World champion Tyson Gay of United States finished second in 9.85 seconds .
Jamaica 's Alex Bolt sets 100 m world record of 9.72 seconds in New York . Fellow - Jamaican Asafa Powell held the previous world record of 9.74 seconds . World champion Tyson Gay of United States finished second in 9.85 seconds .