Running is one of the oldest and most popular sports in the world. It has been a part of human culture since the beginning of time. Running records have been kept for centuries, and they continue to be broken as new athletes strive to become the fastest runners in history. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 fastest runners of all time.
1. Usain Bolt (Jamaica): 9.58 seconds
Widely regarded as the greatest sprinter of all time, Usain Bolt was born in Jamaica in 1986. He won 8 Olympic gold medals and set the world record in the 100m at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin. Bolt’s time of 9.58 seconds remains the fastest 100m time of all time.
2. Tyson Gay (USA): 9.69 seconds
Born in 1982 in Kentucky, USA, Tyson Gay is one of the greatest sprinters in American history. He set the world record for the 100m at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, with a time of 9.69 seconds.
3. Yohan Blake (Jamaica): 9.69 seconds
Yohan Blake was born in Jamaica in 1989. He won the silver medal in the 100m at the 2012 Olympics in London, with a time of 9.75 seconds. However, his personal best time of 9.69 seconds was set at the 2012 Jamaican Olympic trials.
4. Asafa Powell (Jamaica): 9.72 seconds
Asafa Powell was born in Jamaica in 1982. He held the world record in the 100m for three years, from 2005 to 2008, with a time of 9.77 seconds. Powell’s personal best time of 9.72 seconds was set in 2008.
5. Justin Gatlin (USA): 9.74 seconds
Justin Gatlin was born in Florida, USA, in 1982. He won the gold medal in the 100m at the 2004 Olympics in Athens. However, his personal best time of 9.74 seconds was set in 2015, at the age of 33.
6. Christian Coleman (USA): 9.76 seconds
Born in Georgia, USA, in 1996, Christian Coleman is the youngest athlete on this list. He set a personal best time of 9.76 seconds in 2018, at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon.
7. Maurice Greene (USA): 9.79 seconds
Maurice Greene was born in Kansas, USA, in 1974. He won two Olympic gold medals in the 100m, in 2000 and 1996. Greene set his personal best time of 9.79 seconds in 1999.
8. Nesta Carter (Jamaica): 9.78 seconds
Nesta Carter was born in Jamaica in 1985. He won three Olympic gold medals as part of Jamaica’s 4x100m relay team, in 2008, 2012, and 2016. Carter’s personal best time of 9.78 seconds was set in 2010.
9. Donovan Bailey (Canada): 9.84 seconds
Donovan Bailey was born in Jamaica in 1967, but he emigrated to Canada as a child. He won two Olympic gold medals, in the 100m and 4x100m relay, at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Bailey’s personal best time of 9.84 seconds was set in 1996.
10. Leroy Burrell (USA): 9.85 seconds
Leroy Burrell was born in Pennsylvania, USA, in 1967. He held the world record in the 100m for three years, from 1991 to 1994, with a time of 9.85 seconds. Burrell retired from competition in 1998.
In conclusion, these athletes have proven that they are some of the fastest and most exceptional athletes in history. They have amazed spectators around the globe and continue to inspire aspiring runners. Each one of them has achieved greatness through hard work, dedication, and talent, and they will always be remembered for their incredible achievements.
