Final answer:
Merlene Ottey, a Jamaican sprinter, ran a 100-meter dash in 11.64 seconds at age 47, showcasing the strong sprinting culture of Jamaica. National heroes like Arthur Wint and Usain Bolt have inspired generations of Jamaican sprinters, contributing to the country's dominance in track and field.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 2007, Merlene Ottey ran an impressive 11.64 seconds in the 100 meters at the age of 47. The island nation known for producing renowned sprinters, and the birthplace of Merlene Ottey, is Jamaica. This country's cultural obsession with sprinting has resulted in a virtuous circle, creating numerous world-class sprinters in track and field events. Despite various theories explaining Jamaica's dominance in sprinting, from soil composition to genetics, it is the national passion for the sport, started by figures like Arthur Wint and continued with legends like Usain Bolt, that truly sets it apart. Usain Bolt notably set the world record for the 100 meter dash in 2009 and during the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, he achieved record-setting times in both the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes.