Maurice Greene returned from a 10-month absence Monday still looking like the world’s fastest man.
The American sprinter blazed past big-name rivals in 9.97 seconds to win the 100 meters at the Athens Grand Prix, the event at which he set the world mark of 9.79 seconds three years ago.
“It feels good to be back,” Greene said. “I’m not pleased with the time, but I have to be pleased with the race. It’s my first race back since Edmonton. My goal is stay undefeated.”
The 27-year-old sprinter has been out of major competition with an injured leg since winning the world title in Canada last August.
But on Monday he breezed past American Bernard Williams and Britain’s Dwain Chambers, who finished second and third in 10.06 and 10.08 seconds. Longtime rival Ato Boldon finished last in 10.43.
The meet was held at Athens’ Olympic Stadium a day before the facility will close for major renovation work for the 2004 Olympics.
Greene is headed to the U.S. Outdoor Track and Field Championships from June 21-23 in Palo Alto, Calif.
In the women’s 100, world champion Zhanna Pintusevich of the Ukraine won in 11.02.
Canada’s Mark Boswell cleared 7 feet 7 3/4 inches to win the men’s high jump over Sweden’s Stefan Holm and Russia’s Pavel Fomenko.
