World Athletics Day 2021: A look at the fastest sprinters of all-time

Started by the Newbie Athletic Federation, World Athletics Day is celebrated in the month of May every year...

...to encourage children to participate in sports and physical activities.

Let’s take a look at the top ten all-time fastest runners who have given us some amazing memories to cherish.

Usain Bolt

The greatest sprinter of all time, this “Lightning Bolt” from Jamaica is a living legend who holds the 100 metre record of 9.58 seconds. He has won gold in three consecutive Olympics in the 100 metre dash from 2008 to 2016.

Tyson Gay

With his record of finishing 100 metres in 9.69 seconds, this Kentucky-born American becomes the second fastest athlete, tied with Yohan Blake, in the history of running.

Yohan Blake

The Jamaican sprinter, with his personal best of 9.69 seconds in 100 metres, has won several medals for his Carribean nation, including two Olympic gold medals in 4x100 metre relay.

Asafa Powell

Powell set the world record twice in 100 metres in 2005 and 2008 with 9.77 and 9.72 seconds, respectively. The Jamaican was part of the gold medal winning team at the Rio Olympics in the 4x100 metre category.

Justin Gatlin

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Gatlin has a personal best of 9.74 seconds in 100 metres and is a five-time Olympic medalist including a gold medal in 2004, bronze medal in 2012 and 2016 in 100m and 200m. He has also won 12 medals in World Championships.

Christian Coleman

American professional sprinter who holds a personal record of 9.76 seconds in the 100 metre race was the world number one in 2017 and 2018 seasons. He was also a world indoor record holder in the 60m race with 6.34 seconds.

Nesta Carter

Jamaican sprinter with a track record of 9.78 seconds in 100 metres, he has won several medals including gold and silver in 4 x100 relay at 2007 and 2015 World Championships, respectively.

Maurice Greene

American former athlete specialising in 100m with a track record of 9.79 seconds, Greene has won four Olympic medals and is five-time World Champion. He was also the 1999 Indoor World Champion in the 60 metre dash.

Steve Mullings

Jamaican athlete with a personal best of 9.80 seconds in the 100 metre race began his career by winning a bronze medal in the Pan American Junior Championship.

Richard Thompson

This athlete from Trinidad and Tobago, who has a record of 9.82 seconds in the 100 metre race, was the silver medalist in the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the 100metre category.