TOP 10 FASTEST FEMALE SPRINTERS IN THE WORLD (ALL TIME)

The fastest women in the world have not only shattered records—they’ve shattered expectations. Florence Griffith-Joyner (Flo-Jo) still holds world records decades later. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has stayed elite for over a decade, and Elaine Thompson-Herah’s Olympic double-doubles put her in the GOAT conversation.

Sha’Carri Richardson, bold and brilliant, is the face of modern sprinting. Carmelita Jeter, Dina Asher-Smith, and Marion Jones (before controversy) also shaped the sport. African legends like Blessing Okagbare broke barriers, and these women continue to prove that speed and grace can coexist at the highest level of competition.

1.FLORENCE GRIFFITH–JOYNER 🇺🇸 10.49 s

Flo‑Jo’s 10.49s set in Indianapolis in 1988 remains the unbroken women’s 100 m world record . Her electrifying speed, bold style, and powerful intelligence on the track made her the fastest woman in history. She also owns the 200 metres world record and a trio of Olympic gold medals from the 1988 Seoul Games . Despite ongoing debate over wind assist during her record run, her performance still stands as the benchmark. Florence’s athletic brilliance and signature flair have left an eternal mark on track and field.

2. ELAINE THOMPSON‑HERAH 🇯🇲 10.54 s

Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson‑Herah is the fastest woman alive and second on the all-time list, clocking 10.54s at Eugene’s Prefontaine Classic in 2021 . She also holds the Olympic record of 10.61s from Tokyo 2020, where she swept the 100 m and 200 m—becoming the first to defend the Olympic sprint double since Flo‑Jo . Her extraordinary speed, consistency, and resilience under pressure have made her one of track’s most admired icons.

3. SHELLY‑ANN FRASER‑PRYCE 🇯🇲10.60 s

Nicknamed the “Pocket Rocket,” Shelly‑Ann Fraser‑Pryce has sprinted to an astonishing 10.60s in Lausanne, ranking her third fastest all-time . A three-time Olympic 100 m champion and multiple World Championship gold medalist, she’s one of the most decorated women in sprinting history . Her tiny frame belies explosive power, and her longevity—competing at elite level into her late 30s—cements her legacy as a true legend.

4. CARMELITA JETER 🇺🇸 10.64 s

Once hailed as “the fastest woman alive,” Carmelita Jeter rocketed to 10.64s at the 2009 Shanghai meet, placing her fourth all-time . She claimed world title gold in 2011 and Olympic silver in 2012, thrilling fans with her powerful style. After retiring in 2013, she transitioned into coaching—bringing her experience and speed wisdom to a new generation.

5. MARION JONES 🇺🇸 10.65 S S s

At the 1998 IAAF World Cup in Johannesburg, Marion Jones stunned with 10.65s, ranking her fifth fastest historically . Before her legacy was clouded by scandal, she was a triple Olympic medalist and the darling of world athletics in the late 1990s.

6. SHA’CARRI RICHARDSON 🇺🇸10.65 s

Sha’Carri took her place among the fastest ever after clocking 10.65s to become World Champion at Budapest 2023 . Her vibrant personality, confidence, and comeback narrative make her one of the most talked-about sprinters today—a powerful voice for a new generation.

7. SHERICKA JACKSON 🇯🇲 10.65 s

Also recording 10.65s in 2023, Shericka Jackson bagged multiple sprint medals and earned a reputation for furious late‑race kicks . A Jamaican national champion, she stands among the all-time fastest and is a fierce symbol of Jamaica’s sprint dominance.

8. MARIE-JOSÉE TA LOU 10.72 s The fastest African woman ever, Ta Lou sprinted to 10.72s at the Diamond League in Monaco 2022 . Her smooth technique and continental pride have expanded Africa’s sprinting impact—making her a continental icon.

9. CHRISTINE ARRON 🇫🇷 10.73 s

France’s sprint queen, Christine Arron, clocked 10.73s to tie for the tenth-fastest 100 m ever at the 1998 European Champs in Budapest . A European record-holder, she’s a national icon in French athletics and admired across the continent.

10. MERLENE OTTEY 🇯🇲 10.74 s

Jamaica’s evergreen legend, Merlene Ottey sprinted to 10.74s in 1996, ranking tenth all-time . With nine Olympic medals over five Games, she built a Spartan reputation for speed, resilience, and longevity. Ottey remains one of the most loved figures in track history.