Photo credit: Run Blog Run

Emmanuel Matadi has set a new national record in the men’s 100m. He ran 9.98s (1.1) in the prelims at the NGC-NAAATT National Open Championships in Trinidad and Tobago. The race took place on Friday June 24.

This current time places him in a special group.  He is among the world’s fastest runners, who race under 10 seconds. It’s also a new legal personal best for the team veteran. Matadi has qualified for the men’s semi-finals on Saturday June 25.

In addition to all of this great news, Matadi’s time officially qualifies him to represent Liberia in the men’s 100m race at the World Championships next month in Eugene, Oregon.

It’s only been two weeks since Matadi’s teammate, Joseph Fahnbulleh won the NCAA men’s 100m and 200m Division I title, which made him Liberia’s national record holder in both events. However with Matadi’s current time, the record has been reclaimed.

Matadi and Fahnbulleh will join their teammates Akeem Sirleaf and Zaza Wellington in the men’s 4x100m relay on Sunday June 26.