{
  "id": 3233894,
  "title": "Usain Bolt's 100m world record beaten, not by a human but a Chinese robot",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/usain-bolts-100m-world-record-beaten-not-by-a-human-but-a-chinese",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-25T08:57:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/sport/usain-bolts-100m-world-record-beaten-not-by-a-human-but-a-chinese-robot-1.500651531"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Usain Bolt's remarkable 100-meter world record, set in 2009 at 9.58 seconds, has been surpassed by a Chinese robot named Tiangong Ultra. The humanoid robot recently clocked an impressive 9.39 seconds in a preliminary heat at the World Humanoid Robot Games held in Beijing. This performance, while outstanding, is not without its challenges. Tiangong had to run straight into a safety mat and subsequently stumble, requiring assistance to move away from the sidelines. In comparison, another robot called Lightning, developed by smartphone maker Honor, ran the distance in 9.47 seconds, also beating Bolt's record. However, the robot had to be carried away on a stretcher after finishing. This remarkable feat highlights the rapid advancements in robot technology. At the inaugural World Humanoid Robot Games in 2025, Tiangong Ultra won the 100-meter event in a record 21.50 seconds. Since then, its performance has more than halved, demonstrating the extraordinary progress in humanoid robotics. The World Humanoid Robot Games serve as a platform for robots to showcase their capabilities in various events, ranging from athletics to real-world tasks such as operating EV charging equipment, making beds, and serving food. While Bolt's record remains unchallenged for humans, robots are undoubtedly gaining ground and moving faster.",
  "summary": "Usain Bolt's 100m world record has stood untouched for 17 years. Now, a humanoid robot has run the distance even faster. Chinese robot Tiangong Ultra clocked an incredible 9.39 seconds in a preliminary 100m heat at the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, comfortably quicker than Bolt's 9.58 second world record set in 2009. Tiangong did not have things all its own way either. It was initially…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}