9.76 seconds

8220;I am the best of the best because I am the Olympic champion, the world champion and the world record holder now,8221; Gatlin told reporters.

8220;I thought I would do it and I kept my word. I am a man who likes challenges and my acceleration today was phenomenal.8221;

Gatlin announced he had his sights set on the world record earlier this week after clocking 9.95 seconds in his first outing of the season in Osaka last Saturday.

8220;The timings could be further improved this year, probably in Europe,8221; said Gatlin.