Runner Matthew Boling nicknamed ‘White Lightning’ sets unofficial 100-metre record

They call him White Lightning for a reason.

Matthew Boling, 18, has just run the fastest 100-metre dash time of any American under the age of 20 – 0.4 seconds slower than Usain Bolt.

Boling, a student at Strake Jesuit College Prep, ran the distance in 9.98 seconds, comfortably pulling away from his rivals.

Despite it being his personal best, there was a 4.2mph tailwind so it will not count.

The official record belongs to Trentavis Friday who did the run in 10 seconds precisely.

Boling said: ‘It definitely felt good. My block start was pretty good and right out of the gate I knew it was going to be fast, so I decided to turn it up a little bit and ran my best. I was really happy with the time.’

Boling hopes to make it to the U.S. Olympic team for the 2020 Toyko Olympics and will go to the University of Georgia in September.

Speaking about his nickname, he said: ‘Some people call me the bogeyman. I heard some people calling me the horseman. I’ve heard different stuff.’

He will take part in the state finals in two weeks.