Who is the fastest man in the world?
Usain Bolt of Jamaica is the fastest man in recorded history. He set the 100-meter world record of 9.58 seconds and the 200-meter record of 19.19 seconds in 2009.
Bolt set both records at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin. In the 100 meters, his average speed was about 37.6 km/h, and his top speed briefly reached about 44.7 km/h. Standing about 1.95 meters tall, he covered the distance in about 41 strides.
Bolt won eight Olympic gold medals and 11 world titles before retiring in 2017. He was the first athlete to win both the 100 and 200 meters at three straight Olympics, in 2008, 2012 and 2016.
Fastest woman
The women's 100-meter world record is 10.49 seconds, set by Florence Griffith-Joyner of the United States in 1988. Her 200-meter record of 21.34 seconds, also from 1988, still stands.
Sprinters reach their top speed around 60 to 70 meters into a 100-meter race. Bolt's long legs meant he took fewer strides than his rivals, which helped him overcome a relatively slow start.
Did You Know?
Bolt's nickname was Lightning Bolt, and his arrow-shooting victory pose became famous around the world.