There have been numerous reports that our new right-back Hector Bellerin has broken the Arsenal sprint record previously held by Theo Walcott. He was reportedly clocked at running 40 metres in just 4.2 seconds beating Walcott’s record by just 1/100th of a second, but these times are being challenged by Richard Kilty, who is the World and European champion at 60 metre sprint racing.
The 25 year-old reckons that it is impossible for the Arsenal duo to have recorded these speeds, and he claims that not even Usain Bolt did the first 40 metres that fast when he broke the 100m world record at 100 metres, and is willing to bet big money to prove his point.
Kilty put his challenge publicly on Twitter, saying: “Media claiming @HectorBellerin can run 4.42 over 40m.
“Absolutely no way. Are these journalists complete morons!
“I will put £30,000 on the line to race @HectorBellerin & @theowalcott any sprint distance, any time, any place, anywhere
“The race will be over very quick. So, if they put their money down, I will gladly show everyone they cannot sprint as fast as the media claim.”
This is an interesting prospect! These figures have bandied about regarding Walcott for many years and it’s surprising that they haven’t been challenged before now.
The question is: Will Walcott and Bellerin be willing to risk three days wages to prove they can beat the World Champion?
Could footballers really be quicker than the professionals?