Samuel Adelebari Francis is one of the 87 men who have managed to breach the 10-second barrier in the 100 metre race but the lanky sprinter stands out from the pack as he is the only Asian to have achieved the staggering feat. Representing Qatar, the Nigerian-born runner created ripples on the Asian circuit when he clocked 9.99 sec at the 2007 Asian Championships in Jordan.
Surprisingly, post his record-making effort, Francis’ career graph dipped. A hamstring injury in 2011 pushed him further back but the 26-year-old is committed to regain his speed. “I am trying to get better with every race. Injuries have set me back but I am here to win,” Francis said.
The 2008 Olympic Games semi-finalist added that the sub-10 time had put him under pressure. “People expect something more from me all the time. There is always pressure but I don’t hold back.”
The 100m field at the Continental Championship was expected to be tough but has opened up slightly after the pull out of Japanese sprint sensation Yoshihide Kiryu, who clocked 10.01.
Francis, who has a season best of 10.08 now, has to watch out for defending champion Su Bingtian. “It is going to be a good race. The track looks on the slower side with seasonal rains. I am prepared for the meet as you can never have perfect conditions.”
The Asian record holder trains in Los Angeles under Gentry Bradley, a former USA sprinter.