Donovan Bailey (9.84 seconds)
At the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Canadian Bailey set a world record time of 9.84 seconds to better the previous record of American Leroy Burrell, at 9.85 seconds in July 1994.
Bailey, who emigrated from Jamaica to Canada at age 13, played basketball and only took up sprinting seriously in 1994.
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His record is also the current Olympics record. The time also stood as the Commonwealth record from 1996 until 2005, when it was broken by Asafa Powell.
Compatriot Bruny Surin equalled Bailey's world record of 9.84 seconds at the 1999 World Championships during his head-to-head showdown with world record holder Maurice Green. It still stands as the fastest losing time in the 100 metres.