The Fastest Human Sprinters
Usain Bolt holds the 100 m world record at 9.58 seconds, set in Berlin in 2009.
Also known as: 100 metres world record
Usain Bolt's 9.58-second 100 m, run in Berlin in 2009, is the fastest an officially timed human has covered the distance, giving a peak speed near 44 km/h.
What it is
The fastest officially recorded human sprint is Usain Bolt's 9.58-second 100 metres, set at the World Championships in Berlin on 16 August 2009. Over the race his average speed was about 37.6 km/h, and his peak speed between 60 and 80 metres was measured at roughly 44 km/h (27 mph).
| Rank | Athlete | Time | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Usain Bolt | 9.58 s | 2009 |
| 2 | Tyson Gay | 9.69 s | 2009 |
| 2 | Yohan Blake | 9.69 s | 2012 |
| 4 | Asafa Powell | 9.72 s | 2008 |
| 5 | Justin Gatlin | 9.74 s | 2015 |
Bolt, of Jamaica, also holds the 200 m world record at 19.19 seconds. Records recognised by World Athletics require a legal tailwind of no more than 2.0 metres per second. Even at his peak, Bolt's top speed is well under half that of a cheetah.
Related entries
Sources & further reading
- 100 Metres Men — World Records — World Athletics (article)