A CONSTRUCTION worker from India has allegedly beaten Usain Bolt’s 100 metre sprint record – with the help of two huge buffaloes.
Srinivasa Gowda, from Karnataka, has since been called up for national trials after he set an incredible time of 9.55 seconds.
Srinivasa Gowda stunned onlookers as he thrashed his opponent
Eight-time gold medal winner Bolt stunned the sporting world when he ran 100 metres in just 9.58 seconds in 2009.
But fans are convinced that Gowda has knocked the Jamaican superstar off his perch.
The 28-year-old was taking part in Kambala – where people sprint 142m through paddy fields while holding onto two bufffaloes.
He thrashed his opponent as he covered a distance of 145 metres in just 13.62 seconds.
And he sped through the first 100 metres in just 9.55 seconds – which is 0.03 seconds quicker than Bolt’s record.
As a result of his incredible performance, Gowda has now been called up for trials by India’s Sports Ministry.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiu posted a picture of the 28-year-old in action as he vowed to train him up with the top coaches in the country.
He wrote: “Yes @PMuralidharRao ji. Officials from SAI have contacted him. His rail ticket is done and he will reach SAI centre on Monday.
“I will ensure top national coaches to conduct his trails properly.
“We are team @narendramodi ji and will do everything to identify sporting talents.”
One fan on social media even predicted that the construction worker is on track for a gold medal at the Olympics.
Usain Bolt has held the 100 metre world record since 2009Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
He wrote: “This guy will surely get us a gold medal at the Olympics.”
Another fan added: “That’s super… if timing is accurate, then it’s a great discovery.”
Last summer, a high school teenager was tipped to be the next Bolt after running the 100 metres in just 9.98 seconds.
What is kambala?
- An annual buffalo race held in the southwestern Indian state of Karnataka.
- Kambala season generally starts in November and lasts until March.
- Over 45 races ar eheld annually in Karanataka.
- The racetrack is a slushy paddy field.
- The buffaloes are driven by a whip-lashing farmer.
- Historically, the winners were rewarded with coconuts and bananas.
- In the modern day, winners receive gold and silver coins.
Source: Athletics - thesun.co.uk