UPSC Prelims 2003 · General Studies
Question 6: International Relations and Current Affairs
Tim Montgomery set a new world record at the IAAF Grand Prix final in the year 2002 in
AnswerThe answer is (c).
Tim Montgomery of the USA ran the 100 m dash in 9.78 seconds at the IAAF Grand Prix Final in Paris in September 2002, beating Maurice Greene's world record of 9.79. He was later banned for doping in the BALCO case, and his results from 2001 onwards were annulled. Remember the event as the 100 m, the blue-riband sprint.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Mike Powell's 1991 mark was the long jump record; Montgomery was not a jumper.
- (b) Montgomery was a sprinter, not a hurdler.
- (c) Correct: the 100 m dash, in 9.78 seconds.
- (d) High jump is a field event; Montgomery was a sprinter.
Worth knowing: Montgomery's 9.78 was later annulled after his doping ban, so it no longer stands as a record; the event named in the answer is unchanged.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2003, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.