Top 20 Male 100m Sprinters (2000–2025)

The 100-meter dash has produced some of the most electrifying moments in athletics from 2000 to 2025. This era saw world records shattered, dynasties built, and new nations emerging in the sprinting world. Below we rank and analyze the top 20 male 100m sprinters of this period, highlighting why each athlete earned his spot based on personal bests, major medals, consistency, longevity, and historical impact. The list is presented in rank order, with #1 being the top sprinter of the era.

1. Usain Bolt

Personal Best: 9.58 seconds (world record).Major Achievements: 8-time Olympic gold medalist; 11-time World Champion.

Usain Bolt is widely considered the greatest sprinter of all time. He set the current 100m world record of 9.58 seconds in 2009, a time far ahead of any other sprinter in history. Bolt also owns the second-fastest 100m ever (9.63s, the Olympic record), underscoring his dominance. Standing 6’5” with an effortless stride, Bolt swept Olympic 100m and 200m titles at three consecutive Games (2008, 2012, 2016) – an unprecedented “triple-triple” feat. In World Championship competition he was nearly unbeatable, winning three 100m world titles (2009, 2013, 2015) and completing a “triple-double” of 100m/200m titles. Beyond times and medals, Bolt became a global icon with his charismatic personality and signature “Lightning Bolt” pose. He brought showmanship to sprinting, electrifying fans well beyond the track. Notably, despite his dominance, he remained remarkably consistent and clutch under pressure – Bolt ran sub-10 seconds 53 times in his career and was undefeated in major 100m finals for nearly a decade. His combination of world-record speed, championship mettle, and cultural impact cements Usain Bolt as the clear #1 sprinter of the 21st century.

2. Tyson Gay

Personal Best: 9.69 seconds (American record.Major Achievements: 3× World Champion in 2007 (100m, 200m, 4×100m); World Championships 100m silver (2009).

Tyson Gay was the world’s leading sprinter in the late 2000s and remains the fastest American ever at 100m. His best of 9.69 seconds, which he achieved in 2009, tied him (at the time) as the second-fastest man in history alongside Yohan Blake. Gay’s peak year came in 2007 when he swept the World Championships 100m, 200m, and 4×100m relay golds – becoming only the second man (after Maurice Greene) to win that triple at a single Worlds. In 2009, Gay famously dueled Usain Bolt in the World Championship final, clocking 9.71s for silver – the fastest non-winning time ever recorded. This showed Gay’s caliber: even in an era with Bolt, he pushed the limits of human speed. Known for his quick acceleration and top-end speed, Gay ran 14 career races under 10 seconds. However, injuries and misfortune denied him an individual Olympic medal (his best Olympic finish was 4th in 2012). He did earn a relay silver in 2012, though that medal was later stripped due to a doping violation. Off track issues aside, Tyson Gay’s blend of raw speed (holding the U.S. record) and his 2007 championship dominance secure his #2 ranking among sprinters of this era.

3. Yohan Blake

Personal Best: 9.69 seconds (tied second all-time).Major Achievements: 2011 World Champion (100m); 2012 Olympic double silver (100m & 200m).

Nicknamed “The Beast” for his ferocious work ethic, Yohan Blake emerged as Usain Bolt’s heir-apparent in Jamaica. As a training partner of Bolt, Blake stunned the world by winning the 100m title at the 2011 World Championships at just 21 years old (becoming the youngest 100m world champion ever). In 2012, Blake ran 9.69 seconds in Lausanne – tying Tyson Gay as the second-fastest man in history behind Bolt. He also clocked a blistering 19.26s in the 200m that year, illustrating his phenomenal speed range. At the London 2012 Olympics, Blake took silver in both the 100m (in 9.75s) and 200m, finishing only behind Bolt – and his 9.75 and 19.44 were the fastest ever times for a second-place finisher. These performances showed that in any other era, Blake might have been the dominant champion. Unfortunately, injuries hampered him after 2013, preventing sustained challenges to Bolt. Even so, Blake remained a force – he owns multiple sub-9.80 clockings and added relay gold medals (he anchored Jamaica’s 4×100 WR in 2011). Blake’s combination of elite personal times, a World title, and pushing Bolt in major races earns him the #3 spot.

4. Justin Gatlin

Personal Best: 9.74 seconds.Major Achievements: 2004 Olympic Champion (100m); 2× World Champion (2005 & 2017 – 100m).

Justin Gatlin’s career spanned two decades, marked by early success, a suspension, and an extraordinary late-career resurgence. He burst onto the scene with 100m gold at the 2004 Athens Olympics and a World Championship 100m/200m double in 2005. In 2006, Gatlin tied the (then) world record (9.77s), but soon after served a four-year ban (2006–2010) for a doping violation. Returning to competition in 2011, Gatlin steadily climbed back to the top. Remarkably, in 2017 – at 35 years old – he won the World Championship 100m gold, 12 years after his first world title. In that race (Bolt’s final 100m), Gatlin upset the field to reclaim gold in 9.92s, making him the oldest 100m world champion in history. Gatlin’s longevity is highlighted by the fact that he earned global 100m medals 13 years apart (Olympic gold in 2004 and world gold in 2017). He also posted some of the fastest times of the 2010s, including a 9.74s PB in 2015 (at age 33). Despite two doping bans in his career, Gatlin remained a fierce competitor. He ran under 10 seconds over 50 times and held his own against stars from Maurice Greene to Usain Bolt. Gatlin’s resume of titles (multiple Olympic and World medals) combined with his exceptional longevity and late-career speed secure his place among the all-time sprint greats.

5. Asafa Powell

Personal Best: 9.72 .Major Achievements: Former 100m World Record Holder (9.77s in 2005); 2× World Championships 100m bronze medalist (2007, 2009 relays); Commonwealth Games 100m Champion (2006).

Asafa Powell was the dominant 100m sprinter in the mid-2000s and earned the nickname “Sub-10 King” for his prolific consistency. Powell lowered the 100m world record to 9.77 seconds in 2005 and again to 9.74 in 2007, holding the title of world’s fastest man until Bolt’s arrival in 2008. His personal best of 9.72 (set in 2008) ranks among the fastest ever and made him the fourth-quickest man in history. Amazingly, Powell has broken the 10-second barrier more times than anyone in history – a total of 97 legal sub-10 races. This staggering consistency over many seasons speaks to his longevity and speed maintenance. Despite his times, Powell often struggled at the biggest moments: he never won an individual World or Olympic 100m title, leading to the tag of “fastest man never to win gold”. He did earn relay golds with Jamaica (2008 Olympic 4×100m, 2009 World 4×100m) and an individual bronze at the 2007 Worlds. Powell’s impact on sprinting is significant – he inspired the next generation of Jamaican sprinters and set the stage for Bolt’s dominance. His graceful running style and humble demeanor made him a fan favorite. In sum, Asafa Powell’s world records, unparalleled sub-10 count, and role as a bridge between eras justify his high ranking, even without an individual global title.

6. Christian Coleman

Personal Best: 9.76 .Major Achievements: 2019 World Champion (100m); World Indoor Record Holder (60m, 6.34s); World Championships silver (2017 100m).

Christian Coleman rose to the top of sprinting in the late 2010s with an explosive start and exceptional acceleration. He captured the 2019 World Championship 100m title in dominant fashion, clocking 9.76s in the final – a performance that made him the 6th-fastest man ever at the time. Coleman’s 100m personal best of 9.76 (set earlier in 2019) underlined that he was the premier 100m man of that year. He also has remarkable indoor credentials, owning the 60m world record at 6.34 seconds (set in 2018) and winning the World Indoor 60m title that same year. Coleman’s early career was marked by a swift ascent: he anchored Team USA to 4×100m relay silver and took individual 100m silver at the 2017 Worlds (behind Gatlin, ahead of Bolt) at just 21. In 2018, he ended the season ranked #1 globally, and in 2019 he reigned as world champion. A key aspect of Coleman’s racing is his lightning start – he often explodes out of the blocks a meter ahead of the field, a product of his 60m prowess. This gives him an unbeatable advantage in shorter races. Coleman did face a setback with an 18-month suspension in 2020–2021 due to missed drug tests (a whereabouts violation), causing him to miss the Tokyo Olympics. Since returning, he has been working to regain top form. Still, at his peak, Christian Coleman was the world’s fastest man and one of the few to break 9.80 in the last decade, earning him a spot high on this list.

7. Trayvon Bromell

Personal Best: 9.76 Major Achievements: 2× World Championships 100m bronze (2015, 2022); 2016 World Indoor Champion (60m).

Trayvon Bromell’s journey has been one of prodigious talent, adversity, and inspiring comeback. He announced himself by becoming the first junior (U20) in history to break 10 seconds (9.97s in 2014). At age 20, Bromell won bronze in the 100m at the 2015 World Championships, signaling that he was a future star. A year later, he became World Indoor Champion at 60m in 2016, showcasing his explosive start. However, Bromell then endured multiple serious Achilles injuries that sidelined him for nearly three years. Many thought his career might be over. Defying the odds, Bromell stormed back in 2021, running a world-leading 9.77s that year and re-establishing himself among the elite. In 2022, he earned another World Championship bronze in the 100m (in a tight finish behind compatriots Fred Kerley and Marvin Bracy). Bromell’s personal best of 9.76, set in 2021, ties him as the sixth-fastest man ever, and he has shown the consistency to clock multiple sub-9.80 times. Standing just 5’8″, Bromell relies on an incredibly powerful drive phase and cadence to compete with taller sprinters. His perseverance is as impressive as his times – after missing the 2016 Olympic final due to injury, he fought back to make the 2021 Olympic final and the podium in 2022. Still in his prime, Bromell’s story of resilience and top-level performances rightfully places him among the top sprinters of the era.

8. Fred Kerley

Personal Best: 9.76 .Major Achievements: 2022 World Champion (100m); 2020 Olympic Silver Medalist (100m).

Fred Kerley’s rise in the 100m has been unconventional yet extraordinary. Originally a 400m specialist with a personal best of 43.64s, Kerley decided in 2021 to drop down to the 100m – a move that paid off brilliantly. He won the 100m silver at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 (in 9.84s), then followed it up by claiming the World Championship 100m title in 2022 in Eugene. In the span of a year, Kerley went from being a 400m runner to the world’s fastest man, demonstrating incredible range. His 100m best of 9.76 (set at the 2022 U.S. Championships) makes him the sixth-fastest ever, tied with Coleman and Bromell. Uniquely, Kerley is one of only three men in history to run sub-10 for 100m, sub-20 for 200m, and sub-44 for 400m (alongside Michael Norman and Wayde van Niekerk). This versatility hints at his remarkable blend of pure speed and strength endurance. On the track, the 6’3″ Kerley uses his long strides and 400m strength to power through the finish, often reeling in competitors in the latter half of the race. In head-to-heads, he led an American podium sweep at the 2022 Worlds and has beaten the best on the biggest stage. Kerley’s quick success and historic range of talent make him one of the most notable sprinters of the 2020s and #8 on this list.

9. Noah Lyles

Personal Best: 9.83 .Major Achievements: 2023 World Champion (100m & 200m); 2020 Olympic Bronze (200m); 3× World Champion at 200m (2019, 2022, 2023).

Noah Lyles has been the premier 200m runner of his generation and in recent years proved himself among the very best at 100m as well. Primarily known for his 200m dominance (he’s the American record holder at 19.31s), Lyles stepped up to the 100m podium with a bronze at the 2022 World Championships. Then, in 2023, he achieved a historic sprint triple: winning gold in the 100m, 200m, and 4×100m at the World Championships (the first to do so since Usain Bolt). His 100m victory in 2023, in a personal-best 9.83 seconds, emphatically confirmed that Lyles is not just a 200m specialist but the world’s top 100m sprinter of the moment. Lyles’ exceptional top-end speed and competitive fire are evident in how he closes races – in the 100m he often starts a bit behind, then unleashes a furious second-half surge (a trait from his 200m background) to overtake rivals. He also brings a showman’s flair reminiscent of Bolt, engaging fans with his charisma and confidence. While he has “only” one individual Olympic medal so far (200m bronze in Tokyo), Lyles at age 26 has already accumulated six World Championship golds. His cultural impact is growing too, as an outspoken ambassador for the sport. With a complete sprint resume and peak performances in the 100m and 200m, Noah Lyles earns his place among the top ten sprinters of the 2000–2025 era.

10. Marcell Jacobs

Personal Best: 9.80 seconds (European record).Major Achievements: 2020 Olympic Champion (100m); 2022 World Indoor Champion (60m).

Lamont Marcell Jacobs delivered one of the most surprising and thrilling performances of the era by winning the 100m gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021). Virtually unknown globally before 2021, the Italian sprinter peaked at the perfect time – he ran a European record 9.80 seconds in the Olympic final to claim gold, becoming the first Italian (and first European in 29 years) to win the men’s Olympic 100m. Jacobs’ victory margin over Fred Kerley (silver) and Andre De Grasse (bronze) proved it was no fluke. Earlier in 2021, Jacobs had shown hints of his form by winning the European Indoor 60m title, and he carried that momentum outdoors. In 2022, he confirmed his prowess at the start by beating Christian Coleman to win the World Indoor 60m championship. Jacobs is a former long jumper who only fully switched to sprinting a few years before his Olympic triumph, making his rapid ascent even more remarkable. At 6’1″ with a powerful build, he combines a quick start (6.41s 60m PB) with strong finish. Injury struggles kept him from showing top form for much of 2022–2023, but he did add a European 100m title in 2022 to his accolades. Culturally, Jacobs’ Olympic win was huge for sprinting’s global diversity – he put Italy on the sprint map and gave Europe its first title in the blue-riband event since 1992. For his historic Olympic gold and 9.80 top-end speed, Marcell Jacobs rounds out the top ten.

11. Oblique Seville

Personal Best: 9.86 seconds.Major Achievements: 4th place – 2022 World Championships 100m; Olympic semifinalist (2021).

Oblique Seville is a rising star in Jamaican sprinting, seen by many as the next great Jamaican 100m man after the Bolt-Blake era. Coached by Glen Mills (Usain Bolt’s renowned coach), Seville has steadily improved and made his mark on the international stage. In 2022, he ran a personal best 9.86 seconds at age 21, signaling his world-class potential. That year he also reached the 100m final at the World Championships in Eugene, finishing a credible 4th in 9.97– just shy of the medals. (He had also made the Olympic semifinals in Tokyo the year before, as a 20-year-old.) Seville’s technique and form have drawn comparisons to a young Bolt, and under Mills’ guidance he has learned to combine raw speed with better execution. In Jamaican domestic competition, Seville has been a national champion and famously dueled Yohan Blake at the 2022 trials (placing second by only 0.01s). While he has yet to win a major medal, his consistency is notable – he regularly clocks in the 9.9x range and was one of only a few men to run sub-10 in both 2021 and 2022. As the top-ranked Jamaican 100m sprinter in the post-Bolt years, Seville carries the mantle for a sprint-crazed nation. Given his young age, coaching, and early championship finals appearances, Oblique Seville earns a spot among the top sprinters of this era with the promise of more to come.

12. Akani Simbine

Personal Best: 9.84 seconds (former African record).Major Achievements: 2018 Commonwealth Games Champion (100m); 5× global finalist (Olympics/Worlds 2016–2022).

South Africa’s Akani Simbine has been a model of consistency on the international stage. He reached the 100m final at three consecutive World Championships – 2017 (5th), 2019 (4th), 2022 (5th) – and also finished 5th in the 2016 Olympic final and 4th in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic final. Simbine was often just a fraction of a second away from the podium, underlining how competitive he was in the Bolt/Gatlin/Coleman era. In 2021, he set an African record of 9.84 seconds (since broken), showcasing his raw speed. He has been the flag-bearer for African sprinting, becoming the first South African to consistently challenge the world’s best in the 100m. Simbine won the 2018 Commonwealth Games 100m title, beating a field that included Yohan Blake, and also took the African Championship 100m gold that year. With well over a dozen sub-10 runs, he has been remarkably reliable in the 9.9–10.0 range season after season. Simbine’s start is quick and his technique efficient, allowing him to stay relaxed in high-pressure races. While a global medal eluded him individually for years, he finally claimed an Olympic medal as part of South Africa’s 4×100m relay (silver in 2024). More importantly, Simbine’s presence in consecutive finals helped put African sprinting on the map in the 21st century. His longevity at the elite level and leadership in his region justify his place among the top 20.

13. André De Grasse

Personal Best: 9.89 seconds (100m).Major Achievements: 2020 Olympic Bronze (100m); 2016 Olympic Bronze (100m); 2020 Olympic Champion (200m); 2× World 100m Bronze (2015, 2019).

André De Grasse is one of the most decorated sprinters of the era, known for always rising to the occasion at major championships. The Canadian star has collected seven Olympic medals (including relays) – the most ever by a Canadian track athlete. In the 100m, De Grasse earned bronze at both the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, each time finishing behind only the absolute best of those Games. He also twice medaled in the 100m at World Championships (bronze in 2015 and 2019), showing impressive consistency across a span of years. De Grasse’s championship pedigree extends to the 200m as well – he won the 200m gold in Tokyo and has multiple World medals at that distance. What makes De Grasse stand out is his knack for personal-best or near-personal-best performances when it counts. For instance, he ran a then-PB 9.91s to grab bronze in Rio, and a windy 9.90s in the Tokyo final for another bronze. Though his official PB is around 9.89–9.90, his championship record and competitive tenacity make up for not having a top-10 all-time time. De Grasse often starts a bit slower, but his relaxation and top-end speed in the last 40m are superb – famously, he pushed Usain Bolt to the line in the 2016 Olympic 200m with a grin on his face. By consistently medaling, André De Grasse has proven himself among the world’s best in the 100m for the last decade. His combination of big-meet mentality, versatility (100m/200m success), and medal haul secure his place on this list.

14. Ferdinand Omanyala

Personal Best: 9.77 seconds (African record).Major Achievements: 2022 Commonwealth Games Champion (100m); 2022 African Champion (100m).

Ferdinand Omanyala has rapidly become the face of African sprinting with his record-breaking performances. In September 2021, the Kenyan sprinter blasted a 9.77-second 100m, shattering the African record and announcing himself as a global force. That time made Omanyala one of the ten fastest men ever, and the quickest African 100m sprinter in history. In 2022, he validated his talent by winning the Commonwealth Games 100m title – Kenya’s first Commonwealth win in the event since 1962. Omanyala’s power and explosiveness out of the blocks are his strengths; at 5’8″ with a muscular build, he looks more like a rugby player (a sport he once played) and uses that strength to burst ahead early. His journey has not been without challenges. In 2017, Omanyala served a 14-month ban for a doping violation, a setback he openly acknowledges and has worked to overcome. He also faced a notorious travel visa delay before the 2022 World Championships, arriving barely in time for the heats, which likely cost him a spot in the final. Despite these hurdles, Omanyala’s 2021–2022 season established him as a top contender. He also claimed the African 100m championship in 2022, underscoring his regional dominance. By becoming the first Kenyan and African sprinter to run in the 9.7s, Omanyala has inspired a new generation and expanded the sprint map. His blend of raw speed, recent titles, and trailblazing achievements lands him at #14.

15. Su Bingtian

Personal Best: 9.83 seconds (Asian record).Major Achievements: Asian Record Holder; 2020 Olympic Finalist (6th place); 2018 World Indoor Silver Medalist (60m).

Su Bingtian has achieved legendary status in Asia, proving that world-class sprinting is not limited by geography. In the Tokyo 2020 Olympic semifinals, Su ran a stunning Asian record of 9.83 seconds, becoming the first Asian-born sprinter to break 9.90 and to reach an Olympic 100m final since 1932. That performance (which won his semifinal heat) captivated fans globally and sent Su into the final, where he finished sixth. Su was also part of China’s 4×100m relay that earned Olympic bronze in Tokyo (upgraded from fourth after a rival’s disqualification). Standing 5’8″, Su is renowned for his lightning start – he’s been timed as low as 6.29s over 60m (splitting 6.42 en route to 9.83). In fact, Su owns multiple Asian titles and in 2018 took silver in the World Indoor Championships 60m. His breakthrough came in 2015 when he clocked 9.99s, making him the first Chinese and East Asian man to officially break the 10-second barrier. Since then, he repeatedly improved the Asian record (9.91, 9.83) and consistently made global finals (2015 Worlds finalist, 2019 Worlds semifinalist, 2021 Olympic finalist). Beyond medals, Su Bingtian’s historical and cultural significance is immense: he opened the door for Asian sprinters to believe at the highest level. His longevity is also notable – at 35, he was still competing among the world’s best in 2022–2023. For his record-setting feats and inspiration as “Asia’s fastest man,” Su secures a top-15 spot.

16. Ronnie Baker

Personal Best: 9.83 .Major Achievements: 5th place – 2020 Olympic 100m final; 2018 World Indoor Bronze (60m).

Ronnie Baker has been one of the USA’s top sprinters in the late 2010s, combining exceptional indoor speed with strong 100m performances. He clocked his personal best of 9.83 seconds at the U.S. Olympic Trials in 2021, securing his spot on the Olympic team. In Tokyo, Baker reached the 100m final and placed fifth in 9.95s, in a very competitive field. While he hasn’t yet stood on an Olympic or World podium outdoors, Baker has significant accolades: he earned a bronze in the 60m at the 2018 World Indoor Championships and has a 60m best of 6.40 seconds – the third-fastest 60m ever at that time. That start-line explosiveness carries over to his 100m, where Baker is known for blazing reaction times and driving to an early lead. He twice won the US Indoor 60m title (2017, 2018), underlining his consistency at the elite level. Injuries have occasionally stymied his momentum, but at his peak Baker won Diamond League races and was ranked among the top 5 in the world. In 2018, for instance, he ran multiple sub-10s and narrowly lost the Diamond League final in 9.94. His career also exemplifies perseverance: a late bloomer internationally, Baker didn’t make a global final until age 27, but he kept improving each year. With world-class personal bests in both 60m and 100m and an Olympic final appearance, Ronnie Baker earns recognition among the top sprinters of this era.

17. Zharnel Hughes

Personal Best: 9.83 seconds (British record).Major Achievements: 2023 World Championships Bronze (100m); 2018 European Champion (100m).

Zharnel Hughes, the Anguilla-born sprinter representing Great Britain, has carved out a place in history by combining record-setting performances with major medals. In 2023, Hughes broke the 30-year-old British 100m record (previously held by Linford Christie) by blazing 9.83 seconds at the NYC Grand Prix. That performance made him the fastest Briton ever and one of the top sprinters of the year. He capped the 2023 season by winning the bronze medal in the 100m at the World Championships in Budapest – his first global individual podium. Hughes also ran on Britain’s gold-medal 4×100m relay at those championships, showcasing his relay prowess. Earlier in his career, Hughes became the 2018 European 100m champion at age 23, and he added the European 200m title in 2022. Standing 6’5″ (the same height as Bolt), Hughes has a long stride and a top-end gear that makes him dangerous in the final meters. His path had ups and downs: he trained in Jamaica under Bolt’s coach and nearly beat Bolt in a 2015 race, but injuries and a false start DQ (2019 Worlds final) delayed his global success. By 2023, however, he realized his potential. Hughes’ perseverance paid off as he not only set national records in the 100m and 200m in 2023, but also delivered on the world stage. With his British record, World bronze, and European titles, Zharnel Hughes firmly places among the top 20 sprinters of the era.

18. Patrick Johnson

Personal Best: 9.93 seconds (Oceanian record).Major Achievements: First non-African-descent sprinter to break 10 seconds; Commonwealth Games 4×100m Relay Bronze (2002).

Australian sprinter Patrick Johnson holds a unique spot in sprinting history. In May 2003, he clocked 9.93 seconds in Mito, Japan – setting the Australian and Oceania 100m record, which still stands today. In doing so, Johnson became the first man of non-African ancestry to break the 10-second barrier in the 100m. This was a milestone that broadened the perception of who could run sub-10 and earned Johnson global recognition. An Indigenous Australian (of Aboriginal and Irish heritage), Johnson was celebrated at home for his achievement, inspiring many in Australia’s athletics community. While he did not win individual global medals, he was a consistent performer: he made the 100m and 200m finals at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in front of a home crowd in Melbourne, and reached the 200m final at the 2005 World Championships (placing 6th). He also earned a 4×100m relay bronze at the 2002 Commonwealth Games with Team Australia. Johnson’s 9.93 in 2003 made him, at that time, the 17th-fastest man ever and reaffirmed that sprinting talent could emerge from outside the traditional powers. He was often dubbed the “fastest white man” until France’s Christophe Lemaitre ran 9.92 in 2011. Though the latter part of Johnson’s career was quieter, his record-setting run and barrier-breaking status secure his legacy and a place on this list.

19. Maurice Greene

Personal Best: 9.79 seconds (former world record).Major Achievements: 2000 Olympic Champion (100m); 3× World Champion (1997, 1999, 2001 – 100m); Former 100m world record holder.

Maurice Greene dominated the turn-of-the-century sprint scene and was the standard to which all sprinters aspired in the early 2000s. He won the 100m at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, cementing his status as “World’s Fastest Man,” and added a bronze in 2004. Greene also captured three World Championship 100m titles (1997, 1999, 2001) – at his peak he was virtually unbeatable. In 1999, Greene broke Donovan Bailey’s 100m world record with a blazing 9.79s run, which stood as the world record for three years. He also won the 200m at the 1999 Worlds, completing an impressive sprint double, and anchored Team USA to 4×100 relay gold. Greene was known for his explosive start and powerful acceleration, coupled with a confident swagger on the track. He famously had “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) tattooed on his arm during his reign – and for a while, his achievements backed that up. During his career, Greene ran sub-10 seconds 52 times, a record at that time. He also remains tied for the indoor 60m world record at 6.39s, showcasing his phenomenal quickness off the blocks. Even as younger rivals emerged, Greene managed to snag a last Olympic medal (4×100m relay silver in 2004) before retiring. Maurice Greene’s combination of world records, multiple global titles, and consistency at the top makes him one of the all-time greats – his slightly lower ranking here reflects that a significant part of his prime was just before 2000, but his impact through the early 2000s is unquestioned.

20. Kim Collins

Personal Best: 9.93 seconds (St. Kitts & Nevis national record).Major Achievements: 2003 World Champion (100m); Oldest man to run sub-10 (age 40); 2× World Championships Bronze (100m in 2001 & 2011).

Kim Collins became a sprinting icon due to his longevity and the outsized success from a small country. Hailing from St. Kitts and Nevis (population <60,000), Collins shocked the world by winning the 100m gold at the 2003 World Championships in Paris. He did so with a time of 10.07s in a tactical race, showcasing his championship savvy. Collins also earned 100m bronze medals at the 2001 and 2011 World Championships – remarkably a decade apart, underscoring his longevity at the top. In 2002, he won the Commonwealth Games 100m title, and he made five Olympic teams from 1996 to 2016. While not the fastest in absolute times during much of his career (his PB hovered in the mid-10s for years), Collins in his late 30s enjoyed a stunning renaissance: he ran his first sub-10 at age 37, and then kept improving. In 2016, at 40 years old, Collins clocked a personal best 9.93 seconds, setting a masters (age 40+) world record and becoming the first man over 40 to break 10 seconds. This “ageless wonder” feat endeared him to fans worldwide. Known for his smooth running style and calm demeanor, Collins was competitive against sprinters literally half his age. He still holds his country’s record and remained a consistent sub-10 performer into his 40s. Collins’ historic world title, remarkable consistency, and unprecedented longevity (sub-10 in four different decades of life) make him a deserving inclusion to round out the top 20.