What's The Fastest A Human Can Run? - Science ABC

There are many different variables that factor into this seemingly simple question. Theoretically, humans could run up to 40mph, but in practice, even with the most advanced and advantageous technology available, humans currently top out at roughly 28mph. 

If you’re a sports fan, you know that athletes love to set records, and people love to see records get broken. It feels as though you’re witnessing something seminally important—a moment in history that will last. However, as we’ve seen in recent years, world records get broken all the time, leading many to believe that humans are growing faster and stronger all the time, that our athletes are becoming nearly superhuman in their abilities and body structures.

Beginning at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Usain Bolt has been the dominant name in the running world. His 100m and 200m gold medal victories at three consecutive Olympics has put him in an exclusive echelon of sprinters. Based on his success in the field, he is widely considered the greatest sprinter of all time and the fastest man in the world.

Usain Bolt running
Usain Bolt is touted as the ‘greatest sprinter of all time’. (Photo Credit : Agncia Brasil /Wikimedia Commons)

Given how quickly we see records turning over in major sports across the world, how long will it be before someone comes to take Bolt’s crown? Or have we reached peak speed for human beings?

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