Who is the fastest person in the world?
This is a question that many people have wondered, especially when watching the Olympics or other sporting events.
The answer is not so simple, as different animals and humans can achieve incredible speeds in different ways.
In this article, we will explore some of the fastest animals on earth, as well as the fastest human sprinters and runners.
We will also look at the factors that affect speed, such as body shape, muscle power, and aerodynamics.
By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of what makes some creatures faster than others, and who holds the title of the fastest person in the world.
Analysis of past records in short-distance sprint events demonstrates that the majority of the world’s quickest sprinters come from African-American and Jamaican backgrounds.
Here, you’ll find a compilation of the top 10 swiftest individuals in 2023 and their outstanding performances in 100-meter dash competitions.
PHOTO Courtesy | Getty Images
Who is the fastest person in the world?
Usain Bolt, the Jamaican sprinter, holds a widely acknowledged status as the fastest individual globally and the swiftest sprinter on Earth.
During the Berlin event in August 2009, Bolt established a remarkable world record in the 100m sprint, completing it in just 9.58 seconds.
This achievement translates to a speed of 10.44 meters per second or approximately 23.25 miles (37.58 kilometers) per hour.
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Notably, Bolt achieved a peak velocity of 27.33 miles (43.99 kilometers) per hour towards the end of his sprint.
Prior to Bolt’s record-breaking feat in 2009, no other sprinter had managed to break the 9.60-second barrier.
Remarkably, the men’s 100m world record had not remained unbroken for more than three years and three months since 1987.
Even 14 years after its establishment, Bolt’s record endures, solidifying his position as the world’s fastest individual.
Top 10 fastest runners in the world
Below, you’ll find the World Athletics rankings for the top 10 fastest runners globally, categorized by gender.
These rankings are based on their 100m sprint times, a universally acknowledged measure of speed.
- Usain Bolt (Jamaica) – 9.58 seconds
- Tyson Gay (United States) – 9.68 seconds
- Yohan Blake (Jamaica) – 9.69 seconds
- Asafa Powell (Jamaica) – 9.72 seconds
- Justin Gatlin (United States) – 9.74 seconds
- Christian Coleman (United States) – 9.76 seconds
- Trayvon Bromwell (United States) – 9.76 seconds
- Fred Kerley (United States) – 9.76 seconds
- Ferdinand Omanyala (Kenya) – 9.77 seconds
- Nesta Carter (Jamaica) – 9.78 seconds
Top 10 fastest female runners in the world
- Florence Griffith-Joyner (United States) – 10.49 seconds
- Elaine Thompson-Herah (Jamaica) – 10.54 seconds
- Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (Jamaica) – 10.60 seconds
- Carmelita Jeter (United States) – 10.64 seconds
- Marion Jones (United States) – 10.65 seconds
- Shericka Jackson (Jamaica) – 10.71 seconds
- Sha’Carri Richardson (United States) – 10.71 seconds
- Marie-Josee Ta Lou (Cote d’Ivoire) – 10.72 seconds
- Christine Arron (France) – 10.73 seconds
- Marlene Ottey (Jamaica) – 10.74 seconds
What is the fastest mile ever ran?
The fastest recorded mile time in history was achieved by Moroccan sprinter Hicham El Guerrouj back in 1999, clocking an astounding 3 minutes and 43.13 seconds.
To this day, this remains the unbeaten standard for the fastest mile.
In the realm of female athletes, Dutch sensation Sifan Hassan secured the world record for the mile in 2019, with an impressive time of 4 minutes and 12.33 seconds.
