Chapter 294: 9.93 Seconds

"I'll pass..."

Zhang Yang shook his head. "I'll leave this to you sports guys. I'm just a director."

"Well..."

Su Sheng's suggestion piqued Dong's interest.

Since it was the off-season, Dong thought it would be a good idea to participate in the World Athletics Championships. If he could win a medal for Huaxia, it would be a great honor.

However, the system only had basketball skill packs and not a 100-meter sprint skill pack. Dong would have to use this time to practice his sprinting technique.

"Then..."

Just as Dong was about to agree, he heard the system's voice in his mind.

[Mission Completed: Reward - Usain Bolt's 100m and 200m sprint skill packs!]

"Oh, you're so thoughtful!"

The system's reward couldn't have come at a better time.

It made sense why the system had given him the task earlier; it wanted him to participate in the World Athletics Championships.

As soon as Dong received Bolt's sprinting skill pack, he felt a change within himself. He instantly grasped the techniques of sprinting, and even his speed seemed to have improved slightly.

It seemed like he had something to work on during the off-season.

"I'll participate in this year's World Athletics Championships," Dong agreed.

"Great!"

Su Sheng was thrilled. "Dong, let's bring glory to Huaxia together!"

...

With Dong's status in the sports world, his decision to join the World Athletics Championships was met with full support.

Moreover, Huaxia was hosting the event this year.

Since Dong didn't have a world ranking in athletics, he participated in the qualifying trials three days after the commercial shoot and easily achieved a time of 10.03 seconds, securing his spot.

Dong officially joined the Huaxia athletics team and began preparing for the upcoming World Athletics Championships.

He was the first basketball player in history to participate in the World Athletics Championships.

...

"Wade Dong confirmed to participate in the 2013 World Athletics Championships, competing in the men's 100m and 200m sprints!"

"Can he create another miracle on the athletics track?"

"The enigmatic man of the sports world: Wade Dong!"

...

Major sports media outlets scrambled to cover the news. While the World Athletics Championships was a significant event, its popularity paled in comparison to the World Cup or the Olympics.

However, Dong's participation in the championships generated immense interest, and his popularity alone surpassed that of all the other athletes combined.

...

Although Dong had achieved an impressive time of 10.03 seconds in the qualifying trials, fans still wondered why he had decided to participate in the World Athletics Championships.

Was he feeling lonely in the basketball world?

Michael Jordan had experienced a similar situation. After winning three consecutive championships, he felt invincible in the league, and due to his father's influence, Jordan chose to retire and play baseball.

However, Jordan's talent in baseball paled in comparison to his basketball skills.

Jordan also publicly advised Dong after learning of his participation in the World Athletics Championships, reminding him that great athletes should focus on one sport.

...

Dong's participation in the World Athletics Championships didn't interfere with his basketball career.

The championships lasted for nine days, and even if Dong made it to the finals, his events would be over within three days. Most people assumed that Dong was treating the championships as a fun diversion.

August 23rd.

The opening ceremony of the World Athletics Championships!

"Here comes the Huaxia team..."

...

As soon as the opening ceremony ended, several athletes approached Dong for autographs.

Participating in the World Athletics Championships felt like being back in school for Dong, evoking a sense of nostalgia.

Dong had always excelled in sports since childhood, and the annual school sports meets were his time to shine. He still held the high jump and long jump records he had set in middle school.

It was like being back in middle school.

On the athletics track, Dong was the center of attention.

The popularity of athletes paled in comparison to that of basketball players. For example, when foreign athletes came to Huaxia, non-sports fans might only recognize one person: Usain Bolt.

Bolt, known as the 'Lightning Bolt,' was the fastest man on the planet and held the world record for the 100-meter sprint.

In the afternoon, the 100-meter sprint preliminaries began, divided into four groups. Su Sheng was fortunate not to be in the same group as Dong.

"Dong, can I have your autograph?"

As Dong was stretching his muscles, Bolt approached him for an autograph.

"Can I have one too?"

"And me?"

"Me as well?"

Seeing Bolt's initiative, other athletes joined in.

"Hmm..."

Dong was taken aback but smiled and said, "Let's do it after the race. Everyone, focus on the competition first."

The referee nearby was also surprised. It was rare to see opponents asking for autographs before a tense race.

"Sure!"

The athletes agreed, and the preliminaries began.

"On your marks, get set... Bang!"

With the sound of the starting pistol, the eight athletes sprinted off like arrows.

"Go, Dong! Go, Dong! Go, Dong!"

The entire stadium's attention was on Dong, and the spectators cheered loudly to support him.

"9.93 seconds!"

Dong crossed the finish line first, and the stadium erupted in cheers after the 9.93-second mark was displayed.

Dong had become the first Asian athlete to run the 100-meter dash in under 10 seconds.