Over the years, the tracks have witnessed some of the most breathtaking displays of speed ever recorded. In the twinkle of an eye, they’re gone, defying the very limits of human capability. Here’s a closer look at the ten fastest 100m sprinters of all time, male and female, who have made the world go, “Wow!”
Usain Bolt (JAM) – 9.58 seconds (2009)
Known as “Lightning Bolt,” Usain Bolt shattered the world record at the World Championships in Berlin, clocking an astonishing 9.58 seconds. To put this into perspective, Bolt reached a top speed of nearly 28 miles per hour—faster than the average speed limit in a residential area. This record remains unbeaten.
Tyson Gay (USA) – 9.69 seconds (2009)
Tyson Gay matched the then-second fastest time ever recorded, running 9.69 seconds in Shanghai in 2009. His performance made him the second-fastest man at that time. Gay achieved this time under legal wind conditions and remained one of the few sprinters to have run under 9.70 seconds.
Yohan Blake (JAM) – 9.69 seconds (2012)
Nicknamed “The Beast” for his ferocious track style, Yohan Blake ran 9.69 seconds at the Lausanne Diamond League meet, equaling Tyson Gay’s mark and making Blake the joint second-fastest man in history. Blake ran this speed weeks after winning silver at the London Olympics 2012, behind Usain Bolt.
Asafa Powell (JAM) – 9.72 seconds (2008)
Before Usain Bolt’s reign, Asafa Powell was the face of Jamaican sprinting. He recorded a personal best of 9.72 seconds in 2008 at the Athletissima Grand Prix in Lausanne. Powell held the world record twice—9.77 seconds in 2005 and 2006. His consistency and multiple sub-10-second runs earned him a prominent place in sprinting history.
Justin Gatlin (USA) – 9.74 seconds (2015)
Justin Gatlin ran his best of 9.74 seconds in Doha at 33. Gatlin’s time was the fastest in the world for the 2015 season. His career, marked by achievements and controversy, saw him remain competitive over a long period, including winning the 2017 World Championships at age 35.
Now, to the women who have equally redefined speed on the global stage.
Florence Griffith-Joyner (USA) – 10.49 seconds (1988)
Florence Griffith-Joyner set the world record for the women’s 100 meters on July 16, 1988, at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Indianapolis. Her time of 10.49 seconds remains the world record and is considered one of the longest-standing records in athletics. “Flo Jo,” as she was known, also holds the record for the 200 meters.
Elaine Thompson-Herah (JAM) – 10.54 seconds (2021)
Running 10.54 seconds on August 21, 2021, at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, Elaine Thompson-Herah recorded the second-fastest time ever in the women’s 100 meters. This time came after she won the gold in the 100 meters at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, defending her title from Rio 2016.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (JAM) – 10.60 seconds (2021)
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce achieved her best of 10.60 seconds in 2021 at the Lausanne Diamond League. Fraser-Pryce has won multiple Olympic and World Championship titles, establishing herself as one of the greatest female sprinters ever.
Carmelita Jeter (USA) – 10.64 seconds (2009)
With 10.64 seconds, she recorded the second-fastest 100m speed for women’s sprinting at the time. Jeter won the 100m gold medal at the 2011 World Championships and was part of the U.S. team that set the world record in the 4x100m relay race at the 2012 London Olympics.
Marion Jones (USA) – 10.65 seconds (1998)
Marion Jones ran 10.65 seconds on September 12, 1998, in Johannesburg, South Africa. This speed made her one of the fastest women in history. Jones won two bronze medals and three gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, although the IOC later stripped her of these medals due to a doping scandal.