The fastest person in the world historically and by record is Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, who set the 100-meter world record at 9.58 seconds in 2009. During that race, he reached a top speed of approximately 27.33 miles per hour (43.99 km/h), making him the fastest human ever recorded
. Currently, the title of the fastest man in the world in terms of recent competition results belongs to American sprinter Noah Lyles. Lyles won the 100-meter race at the 2023 World Championships with a time of 9.83 seconds and holds the mantle as the fastest active sprinter, though he has not yet broken Bolt's world record
. In 2025, other sprinters like Akani Simbine and Lan Kennedy are also notable for leading times in specific events, but none have surpassed Bolt's record or Lyles' recent championship status
Summary:
- Fastest ever (record holder): Usain Bolt (9.58 seconds, 2009)
- Fastest currently competing (2023-2025): Noah Lyles (9.83 seconds, 2023 World Championships)
- Other top sprinters include Akani Simbine and Lan Kennedy with leading times in 2025 but not world records.
Usain Bolt remains the fastest person ever, while Noah Lyles is the fastest active sprinter as of 2025.
