WDL Classics Lausanne 2010: Bolt bounces back from injury
Live from the archive every single Sunday on the Wanda Diamond League YouTube channel, the WDL Classics series revisits historical Diamond League meetings with a re-live stream of the full two-hour TV broadcast. This week: Usain Bolt’s impressive world lead at Athletissima in Lausanne.
When Usain Bolt lined up in Lausanne for his second ever Diamond League appearance back in 2010, the Jamaican legend knew he needed to make a statement.
The first half of the 2010 season had seen Bolt and his Jamaican rival Asafa Powell exchange blows without facing each other directly. Powell had claimed victories in both the opening 100m races, while Bolt had cruised to a win in the 200m in Shanghai.
Now taking on his first ever Diamond League 100m, Bolt was out to show that he could match Powell for form over the shorter distance. Having strained his achilles tendon earlier in the season, it was also a chance for the Jamaican to bounce back from injury.
He did just that, clocking an impressive 9.82 despite a characteristically slow start. Though it fell short of Powell’s wind-assisted times of 9.81 and 9.72 in Doha in Oslo, it was still enough to equal the world lead and put world record holder Bolt back in the rivalry’s driving seat.
It was also one of eight world leads clocked in Lausanne, as the iconic Athletissima meeting made its first appearance on the new Diamond League circuit. Among those who also impressed were then Olympic champion Birmin Kipruto in the men’s 3000m steeplechase and his fellow Kenyan Vivian Cheruiyot in the women’s 5000m
You can rewatch the 2010 Doha meeting in full from 15:00 GMT on the Wanda Diamond League YouTube channel.
Watch WDL Classics: Lausanne 2010
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Where to watch Shanghai 2025
The 2025 Wanda Diamond League season continues in Keqiao, China this Saturday.
The meeting will be streamed in a number of territories on the Wanda Diamond League YouTube page , as well as via broadcasters around the world.
For information on where to watch in your territory, select the country you are in from the dropdown menu.
The list is subject to change. Please consult local TV schedules for definitive information.