Olympic 100m Final: Who Will Be the Fastest Man on Earth?

4 November 2025

There's no moment quite like it in sports. The crowd holds its breath. The stadium falls silent, except for the pounding hearts of millions watching around the globe. The camera zooms in. Eight of the fastest humans on the planet crouch in their blocks, muscles twitching in anticipation. Then—bang!—the gun fires, and in less than 10 seconds, history is made.

Yep, we’re talking about the 100m final at the Olympics. The race that turns sprinters into legends. The race that crowns the "Fastest Man on Earth."

But with each Olympic cycle, the burning question reignites:

Who will be the fastest man on Earth this time?

Let’s break it down, look at the contenders, reflect on the legacy, and try to peek into the future of this electrifying event.

Why the 100m Final is the Pinnacle of the Olympics

Okay, let's be real. There are hundreds of sporting events at the Olympics. But the 100m final? That’s the gold standard. That’s the blueprint for drama.

Why does it matter so much?

Because it’s simple. Pure. Primal. No fancy moves, equipment, or tactics. Just raw, explosive speed. It appeals to something deep inside us—the fascination with how fast the human body can move.

And when someone runs under 10 seconds, it feels superhuman. It's like watching time bend.

The Legacy of Legends: From Jesse Owens to Usain Bolt

Before we look ahead to the next big thing, we’ve got to tip our hats to the giants who blazed the trail.

- Jesse Owens (1936) – Dominated in Nazi Germany and shattered racial barriers while winning hearts.
- Carl Lewis (1984) – Graceful, powerful, and a true icon of athleticism and charisma.
- Donovan Bailey (1996) – Proved Canada could sprint with the best of them.
- Maurice Greene (2000) – Packed with swagger and lightning speed.
- Usain Bolt (2008, 2012, 2016) – The name itself is synonymous with speed. The Jamaican legend not only won three Olympic golds but completely redefined what we thought was possible.

Bolt was more than fast—he was a global phenomenon. His 9.58 world record? Still untouched. His charisma? Unmatched. Let’s be honest—when Bolt retired, there was a giant void in track and field.

So... who’s stepping up now?

The New Generation: Who’s Chasing the Crown?

Since Bolt’s departure, the 100m final has become a lot more unpredictable. A new wave of talent is hitting the track, and none of them have fully taken over just yet. But wow, are they close.

Here are some of the top contenders for the upcoming Olympic Games:

1. Fred Kerley (USA)

Remember this name. Kerley transitioned from the 400m to the 100m—and it was a brilliant move. He grabbed a silver medal in Tokyo 2021, then came back even stronger to win gold at the 2022 World Championships.

He’s got the physique of a freight train and the stride of a deer. When he hits top speed, it looks like he’s floating. Pure power, pure grace.

Kerley’s time? He’s clocked a personal best of 9.76. That’s elite. He’s disciplined, focused, and hungry. Is he Bolt’s successor? Maybe. But he’s definitely his own kind of beast.

2. Trayvon Bromell (USA)

Bromell has had a roller-coaster journey. Injuries nearly ended his career, but he fought back—hard. That kind of resilience? That doesn’t just build muscle, it builds heart.

He’s run 9.76 too. If he stays healthy and finds rhythm when it counts, he’s a serious threat. The underdog story? It’s brewing. And who doesn’t love a comeback?

3. Marcell Jacobs (Italy)

Talk about surprises. Jacobs came out of nowhere to win gold in Tokyo. Nobody—and I mean nobody—saw that coming.

He backed it up by winning the European title and proving he wasn’t a one-hit wonder. Jacobs is like a stealth bomber—quiet, sleek, and explosive right when it matters.

If he peaks at the right time again, lightning could strike twice.

4. Letsile Tebogo (Botswana)

This young phenom is turning heads fast. At just 20 years old, Tebogo has already broken world junior records and run under 9.90.

His relaxed style is reminiscent of a young Usain Bolt—arms wide, smile flashing, eyes on the prize. The world is watching closely. Could he be the next long-term king?

The Mental Game: Speed Isn’t Just Physical

Here’s the thing. You can be physically gifted all you want. But the Olympics are a pressure cooker. One false start, one missed step, or one mental lapse—and it’s game over.

The 100m final is unlike any other race. You get one shot. No margin for error. And you're not just racing the guy in the next lane. You’re racing expectations, sponsors, national pride, and sometimes—yourself.

That’s why mental toughness is just as important as fast-twitch muscle. The ability to stay calm under the blinding lights is what separates the gold medalists from the rest.

What Will It Take to Win the Next 100m Olympic Final?

Let’s break down the formula to win the 100m final in today’s era:

- Start Like a Rocket – The first 30 meters are absolutely critical. Get a bad start, and even a superhuman top speed may not be enough to catch up.
- Build Mid-Race Momentum – This is where the strongest runners begin to separate. Not too tight, not too loose. Just controlled aggression.
- Finish Like a Freight Train – The final 20 meters are all about maintaining form while burning. This is where legends dig deep—past fatigue and fear—and into greatness.

To win today, you'll likely need to run sub-9.80. It’s not just about being fast—it’s about being your fastest self when it matters most.

Could We See a World Record?

Ah yes, the million-dollar question.

Usain Bolt’s 9.58 looks untouchable right now. But records are made to be broken, right?

With new training techniques, better biomechanics, and faster tracks, we’re inching closer. Guys like Kerley, Bromell, and Tebogo are already flirting with 9.7 territory. One perfect race, and… who knows?

But breaking 9.58? That will require something truly special—like stars aligning kind of special.

Dark Horses to Watch

Surprises are part of what makes the 100m final so thrilling. Here are a few under-the-radar names who could shake things up:

- Akani Simbine (South Africa) – Always in the mix. Consistent and clutch.
- Zharnel Hughes (Great Britain) – Has shown flashes of brilliance. If he puts it all together, watch out.
- Oblique Seville (Jamaica) – Quietly rising in the ranks. Remember, Jamaica always has someone waiting in the wings.

The Jamaican Factor: Is Another Bolt on the Rise?

Speaking of Jamaica… where’s the next Bolt?

It’s a fair question. Jamaica has long been the powerhouse in sprinting. But since Bolt’s departure, no one has quite taken up the mantle.

However, talents like Seville and young sprinters training in Kingston are showing promise. And let’s be honest: if any nation knows how to produce sprinting champions, it’s Jamaica.

Stay tuned. The island might just shock the world again.

Why This Race Means More Than Just a Medal

The 100m final isn't just about who’s the fastest. It’s about inspiration. It's about possibility.

When that race happens, kids around the world watch in awe. They dream. They lace up their shoes the next day and think—"Maybe me someday."

It’s a reminder that greatness isn’t just out there—it’s achievable.

And for the athletes? It’s immortality. Winning Olympic gold in the 100m puts your name in the history books forever.

Final Thoughts: The Countdown Begins

So here we are… the Olympics are on the horizon, and anticipation is building. Who will rise? Who will fall? And who will be crowned the new "Fastest Man on Earth"?

It’s anybody’s race. And that’s what makes it so electric.

The world will watch, hearts racing, breath held. In those 10 seconds, time will stand still. And when the dust settles, we’ll have our answer.

Who will it be?

We’ll see soon enough.