Quck answer
The current fastest female runner in the world is Elaine Thompson-Herah from Jamaica. She holds the world record in the women’s 100-meter and 200-meter sprints, with times of 10.61 seconds and 21.53 seconds, respectively. Thompson-Herah’s speed and agility have made her a dominant force in women’s sprinting. She has also won multiple Olympic and World Championship gold medals in these events. Thompson-Herah’s achievements have solidified her position as the fastest female runner in the world.
Ready, set, go! Have you ever heard that phrase before? If so, you may have witnessed or participated in a traditional foot race. For a long time, schoolyards around the globe have been the venue for races among students.
Today, running continues to be a popular form of exercise enjoyed by individuals of all ages. While some people prefer walking or jogging, and others lean towards long-distance endurance races, there are still those who crave the excitement of a quick sprint.
A key event in high school track and field competitions, as well as at the college and Olympic levels, is the 100-meter sprint. In the United States, this race is sometimes referred to as the 100-yard dash, since Americans don’t always use the metric system. One hundred yards is equivalent to only 91.4 meters, making the 100-yard dash a shorter race.
The 100-meter sprint is usually the shortest race, yet it remains one of the most popular and prestigious events in the world of sports. In fact, the winners of the men’s and women’s 100-meter sprint races at the Olympics are often hailed as the fastest individuals in the world. The current men’s record is held by Usain Bolt. But who is the fastest woman?
That title belongs to the one and only Florence Griffith-Joyner. Known as “Flo-Jo” by her numerous fans, Griffith-Joyner has held the women’s world record in the 100-meter sprint since 1988. Her time was 10.49 seconds. However, some individuals question this record, citing potential wind conditions and allegations of performance-enhancing drug use. Nevertheless, Griffith-Joyner’s record still stands.
The most recent woman to win the gold in the 100-meter sprint at the Olympics, though, was Elaine Thompson of Jamaica. She completed the race in 10.71 seconds in 2016. Prior to her, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was the reigning champion in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. Fraser-Pryce’s best time is still faster than Thompson’s, at 10.70 seconds.
Of course, there are several other notable runners. One of them is Carmelita Jeter, who finished the 100-meter sprint in 10.78 seconds to claim the silver medal in 2012. Jeter’s fastest time to date is the second lowest on record, at 10.64 seconds. Marion Jones is another name to watch out for—with a personal best time of 10.65, she can give most athletes a run for their money.
Do you dream of running the 100-meter sprint at the Olympics one day? If so, you can start preparing today. Make sure to consume plenty of nutritious food and engage in the right amount of physical activity. If you are serious about running, consider joining a track team at your school or in your community. These teams offer a great opportunity to practice and improve as a runner.
Give It a Shot
Wow! Today’s Wonder of the Day seemed to fly by! Stay up to date by exploring the following activities with a friend or family member:
- Gather your friends and family for a friendly race. You can choose to race in your backyard or take it to the streets for a longer distance. If you have enough participants, you can even organize a relay race or a sack race. Enjoy some exercise with your loved ones!
- Visit the Olympic Records website to explore the fastest times in various running events. Select a specific record and compare your own time to it. For example, you can measure out 100 meters and have someone time you as you run. See how your speed compares to the world record.
- If you want to improve your running speed, consider trying out other types of exercises like yoga or swimming. Not only are these activities fun, but they also offer health benefits. Take a look at “10 Easy Exercises for Kids” online and discuss what you learn with a friend or family member. Then, choose a new exercise to try out today.
Sources of Wonder
- https://www.teamusa.org/News/2021/February/08/Carmelita-Jeters-Journey-To-Become-The-Fastest-Woman-Alive-Was-A-Team-Effort (accessed 25 Mar. 2021)
- https://www.worldathletics.org/records/all-time-toplists/sprints/100-metres/outdoor/women/senior (accessed 25 Mar. 2021)
- https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/30/sport/doha-world-championships-shelly-ann-fraser-pryce-spt-intl/index.html (accessed 25 Mar. 2021)
- https://www.olympic.org/athletics/100m-women (accessed 25 Mar. 2021)
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/100_metres (accessed 25 Mar. 2021)
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