In 2009, Jamaican athlete Usain Bolt made history in world sports with a 100-meter dash record of 9.58 seconds. According to research by Belgian scientists, during the run, Bolt reached a maximum speed of 27.33 mph (43.99 km/h) at the 67.13-meter mark. They noted that theoretically, the male athlete was faster than the average traffic speed in major U.S. cities, including Boston, New York, and San Francisco.
Interestingly, in the same study, scientists assessed that with Bolt’s physique, he should not have participated in the 100-meter event, let alone set a jaw-dropping record. Biologically, the muscles of sprinters often contain fast-twitch muscle fibers to accelerate in the shortest time possible. The ideal body type for this discipline typically has a compact build, not too tall or thin.
Yet, the “Lightning” Usain Bolt has proven the complete opposite, using his abilities to defy all scientific theories. And even with extremely rigorous, serious, and systematic training, there’s no guarantee that we could reach Bolt’s level while he is still competing.
So, what if we sought help from technology and machinery?
Recently, YouTuber Jake Laser, owner of the JLaservideo channel with over 3 million subscribers, decided to create a special set of equipment and shoes to break Usain Bolt’s record. Jake firmly states that if one only runs, a regular person can never surpass Bolt, as an untrained body or legs cannot keep up with that tremendous speed and it could lead to serious injuries.
That’s why this YouTuber wants to combine running with sliding. When he feels that the speed exceeds his limits, he will switch to a sliding mode using the soles of his shoes to keep moving. Essentially, Jake attached 12 mini jet engines to his arms while applying Teflon plastic to the soles of his shoes to minimize friction that hinders his movement.
Instead of running in the traditional style and technique of athletes, Jake opts for the characteristic movement style of ninjas in Naruto – extending his arms back to reduce drag and propel himself forward. At this moment, the jet engines assist in pushing him faster, while the Teflon plastic makes his shoes virtually frictionless during the run.
So how exactly was the process of creating this ambitious “gear” carried out? And with the help of technology, can Jake break Usain Bolt’s record? Please watch the video below. Note: The video is made by highly skilled professionals, and readers should absolutely not attempt this.