Golden Gala 100m History: From Calvin Smith to Maurice Greene’s 4 Wins & the Race for Gold Between Marcell Jacobs, Noah Lyles & Letsile Tebogo

The Golden Gala Pietro Mennea isn’t just another athletics meeting—it’s a living museum of sprinting legends, where history isn’t just remembered but rewritten. On June 4, 2026, the stage will set for a clash of titans in the 100-meter final, with Marcell Jacobs, the two-time European champion and Italy’s Olympic gold medalist, returning to Rome after a mixed history in past editions. His 10.01-second finish in Savona—a promising but wind-assisted debut—sets the tone for a night where the ghosts of legends like Justin Gatlin, Usain Bolt and Maurice Greene may linger in the air.

The Stage is Set for a Rematch of Champions

Jacobs will face a field that reads like a who’s who of the sport’s elite: Noah Lyles, the reigning Olympic 100-meter champion and Jacobs’ successor in the role of sprint king. Letsile Tebogo, the explosive Botswanan who stunned the world with his 200-meter gold in Paris; and Ackeem Blake, the Jamaican firebrand whose speed has made him a fan favorite. The stakes couldn’t be higher. Jacobs’ past performances at the Golden Gala—7th in 2018, 4th in 2020, and 9th in 2024—paint a picture of a sprinter who has yet to deliver his best in Rome. But this time, the conditions feel right: a confident Jacobs, a hungry Lyles, and a Tebogo riding the momentum of Olympic glory.

The meeting’s legacy is unmatched. Since its inception in 1980, the 100-meter race at the Golden Gala has been a battleground for the sport’s greatest. The record stands at 9.75 seconds, set by Gatlin in 2015—a time only four men in history have ever matched or bettered. Gatlin’s four consecutive victories (2013–2016) mirrored Maurice Greene’s dominance from 1999 to 2002, proving that Rome isn’t just a stage; it’s a crown. Even legends like Usain Bolt, who suffered one of his rare defeats here in 2013, couldn’t escape the meeting’s allure.

A Night Where Anything Can Happen

The Golden Gala has a history of upsetting the odds. In 2018, Filippo Tortu’s third-place finish in 10.04 seconds—Italy’s best-ever performance at the meeting—came after a breathtaking late sprint that left the crowd in awe. The 2020 and 2021 editions saw Akani Simbine’s back-to-back victories, while 2025’s Trayvon Bromell’s 9.84-second run (his personal best) proved that even veterans can deliver magic on this track. The meeting’s unpredictability is part of its charm: here, underdogs thrive, and even the most dominant sprinters can be humbled.

This year’s field is no different. Lyles, the Olympic champion, may be the favorite, but Tebogo’s explosive start and Jacobs’ recent form could turn the tide. The absence of the 200 meters this year—where Lyles once lost to Michael Norman in 2019—means all eyes will be on the 100, setting the stage for a possible showdown between two of the sport’s most dynamic sprinters.

What’s Next?

A win for Jacobs would cement his status as Europe’s sprint king and set the tone for his Paris 2024 defence. For Lyles, a victory could reaffirm his place as the world’s fastest man, while Tebogo’s performance could determine whether he transitions from 200-meter specialist to 100-meter contender. The meeting’s legacy of producing unforgettable moments—from Gatlin’s record to Bolt’s rare defeat—means that no matter who crosses the line first, the night will be remembered.

Beyond the track, the Golden Gala’s impact extends to Rome itself. With tickets ranging from €10 to €50 and special promotions for FIDAL and Runcard members, the event draws crowds that rival major sporting spectacles. The atmosphere at the Stadio Olimpico, where 50,000 fans once gathered for Bolt’s debut, promises to be electric—a reminder that athletics, at its core, is about more than medals. It’s about the stories, the rivalries, and the moments that transcend the sport.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who holds the Golden Gala 100-meter record, and what is the time?

Justin Gatlin holds the record with a time of 9.75 seconds, set in 2015. Only four men in history have ever run faster.

2. How many times has Marcell Jacobs participated in the Golden Gala, and what were his results?

Jacobs has competed three times at the Golden Gala, finishing 7th in 2018 (10.19), 4th in 2020 (10.11), and 9th in 2024 (10.20).

3. Which sprinters have won the Golden Gala 100 meters most frequently?

Justin Gatlin and Maurice Greene each won four times, with Gatlin’s victories spanning 2013–2016 and Greene’s from 1999–2002.

As the countdown to June 4 begins, one question lingers: Will this year’s Golden Gala deliver another legendary moment, or will it remain a night of near-misses and what-ifs? One thing is certain—the stage is set for greatness.

What do you think will be the defining moment of the 2026 Golden Gala? Will it be a new record, a historic upset, or something else entirely?