Related: Evolution of men's 100 meters world record

Olympic and world champion Justin Gatlin set a new 100m world record at the Qatar Grand Prix on Friday with a time of 9.76 seconds.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

    DOHA, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Olympic and world champion Justin Gatlin set a new 100m world record at the Qatar Grand Prix on Friday with a time of 9.76 seconds.

    Gatlin beat the previous mark of 9.77 seconds held by Jamaica's Asafa Powell which was set in Athens last year.

    The 24-year-old American, who clocked 9.85 in the semi-final, which was the best time this year before the blistering final, was overjoyed by his record.

    "I am very happy to have broken the world record," said Gatlin.

    "I knew it was coming. This is my third time in Doha and it has proved to be third time lucky.

    "I am the best of the best because I am the Olympic champion and the world champion. I have kept my word." Enditem

America's Justin Gatlin poses near the time board after setting a new 100m world record at the Qatar Super Grand Prix with a time of 9.76sec in Doha. The Olympic champion bettered the old mark of 9.77sec held by Jamaica's Asafa Powell. (Xinhua/Reuters photo)

Olympic and world champion Justin Gatlin set a new 100m world record at the Qatar Grand Prix on Friday with a time of 9.76 seconds.(Xinhua/Reuters photo)