The 10 Fastest Women in 100m Sprint History

Women have become more visible and successful in sports, showing great strength and determination in every event. Over the years, there has been a big change in how active women are in sports. 

In the past, not many women participated, but now they are very involved and making a big impact.

This is especially true in races where women have performed exceptionally well. Their impressive achievements in sports have inspired many others to get involved. 

The growing presence of women in sports shows a big step towards equality and proves that women are strong and capable in all areas, including sports.

These are the 10 fastest women in the 100 sprint race

Florence Griffith-Joyner (10.49 seconds) 

The fastest woman ever is Florence Griffith-Joyner from the USA. She set a world record of 10.49 seconds at the 1988 US Olympic trials and won two gold medals in Seoul for the 100m and 200m races.

Elaine Thompson-Herah (10.54 seconds)

Just three weeks after taking gold at the Tokyo Olympics, Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson-Herah ran the 100m in 10.54 seconds, making her the second-fastest woman ever at an event in Oregon.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (10.60 seconds)  

In 2021 at a meet in Switzerland, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce from Jamaica ran 10.60 seconds, narrowly beating Elaine Thompson-Herah. She previously won the 100m gold in both the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.

Carmelita Jeter (10.64 seconds) 

Former world champion Carmelita Jeter from the USA ran 10.64 seconds at the 2009 Shanghai Grand Prix. She has won Olympic medals, including silver in the 100m and gold in the relay.

Marion Jones (10.65 seconds)

Marion Jones, later banned and stripped of her medals for using performance-enhancing drugs, once ran 10.65 seconds at the 1998 World Championships in South Africa.

Sha’Carri Richardson (10.65 seconds)

At the 2023 World Championship in Budapest, American Sha’Carri Richardson also recorded a time of 10.65 seconds, winning the title after a strong finish.

Shericka Jackson (10.65 seconds) 

In 2023, Shericka Jackson from Jamaica clocked 10.65 seconds at the Jamaican Championships, placing her among the top sprinters, just a bit behind the world record.

Marie-Josee Ta Lou (10.72 seconds) 

At a 2022 meeting in Monaco, Marie-Josee Ta Lou from the Ivory Coast ran 10.72 seconds, becoming the fastest African woman in history.

Christine Arron (10.73 seconds)  

Christine Arron from France set her personal best of 10.73 seconds at the 1998 European Championship in Budapest, still holding the European record.

Merlene Ottey (10.74 seconds)  

Merlene Ottey, a Jamaican legend, ran her fastest 100m in 10.74 seconds at a 1996 event in Milan. She won nine Olympic medals, although none were gold.