The 100m is the most prestigious distance race at elite level and has long been one of the most renowned events at the Olympic Games.

Eight-time gold medallist Usain Bolt currently holds the Olympic record for the men’s competition, while US star Florence Griffth-Joyner boasts the fastest time in the women’s event.

Bolt set his record back in 2012 at the London Games, registering a time of 9.63 seconds. The women’s record has stood for far longer, with Griffith-Joyner running a 10.62 back in 1988.

This year, several of the pre-tournament favourites will be notably absent, meaning there is everything to play for in both the men and women’s competition.

Here’s a complete guide to this year’s event:

What is the Tokyo Olympics 100m?

The event is a straight line sprinting short sprinting race that has been on the Olympics athletics programme since its inauguration in 1896.

Initially, the competition was just for men but was introduced for women in 1928.

Between 1900 and 1904 it was briefly changed to a 60-metre race before reverting to the original format.

It is the shortest distance race at the Games, with the winner of both the men and women’s events considered to be the fastest people on earth.