Men's 100m World Record Progression (since 1960)

The 100 meters sprint stands as the ultimate test of speed, with the world record holder earning the prestigious title of "the world's fastest man." Since 1960, this record has been held by athletes from four countries, showcasing the evolution driven by advancements in track surfaces, shoe technology, training methods, and sports science.

Since 1960, athletes from four countries have held the 100m world record:

• USA: 8 World Records (1 record later disqualified due to doping)
• Jamaica: 5 World Records
• Canada: 1 World Record
• West Germany: 1 World Record

Here's a historical overview of the 100m world record progression, with the most recent records listed first:

- 9.58 seconds - Usain Bolt (Jamaica) - Aug 16, 2009

- 9.69 seconds - Usain Bolt (Jamaica) - Aug 16, 2008

- 9.72 seconds - Usain Bolt (Jamaica) - May 31, 2008

- 9.74 seconds - Asafa Powell (Jamaica) - Sept 9, 2007

- 9.77 seconds - Asafa Powell (Jamaica) - June 14, 2005

- 9.78 seconds - Tim Montgomery (USA) - Sept 14, 2002 (later disallowed)

- 9.79 seconds - Maurice Greene (USA) - June 16, 1999

- 9.84 seconds - Donovan Bailey (Canada) - July 27, 1996

- 9.85 seconds - Leroy Burrell (USA) - July 6, 1994

- 9.86 seconds - Carl Lewis (USA) - Aug 25, 1991

- 9.90 seconds - Leroy Burrell (USA) - June 14, 1991

- 9.92 seconds - Carl Lewis (USA) - Sept 24, 1988

- 9.93 seconds - Calvin Smith (USA) - July 3, 1983

- 9.95 seconds - Jim Hines (USA) - Oct 14, 1968

- 9.99 seconds - Jim Hines (USA) - June 20, 1968

- 10.0 seconds - Armin Hary (West Germany) - June 21, 1960

Fastest Man in Africa

Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala, the African record holder with a personal best of 9.77 seconds, is ranked as the ninth fastest man in history.

This progression underscores the relentless pursuit of excellence in sprinting, with each record representing a milestone in athletic achievement and human performance.