As the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo approach, the men’s 100m field is arguably the most stacked it’s been in a decade. With Usain Bolt’s legendary 9.58s record from 2009 still untouched, a new generation of sprinters is clawing at the ceiling of human speed.
But who’s actually the fastest man in 2025 — not based on legacy, but on form, times, and competition?
Top Contenders for “Fastest Man Alive” – 2025 Rankings
- Christian Coleman 🇺🇸
PB: 9.76s
2024 Season Best: 9.83s (Doha Diamond League)
2024 Olympic Finish: Silver Medalist
Coleman is back to his explosive best. After serving a suspension in 2020 and struggling with form in 2022-23, he’s returned as the most consistent starter in the world. If he nails his first 40m, no one catches him.
- Fred Kerley 🇺🇸
PB: 9.76s
2024 Season Best: 9.85s
2024 Olympic Finish: Bronze
The former 400m runner turned short-distance beast is still a podium lock. Kerley’s top-end speed is nearly unmatched, and his technical form gives him an edge over raw sprinters.
- Ferdinand Omanyala 🇰🇪
PB: 9.77s
2024 Season Best: 9.81s (Nairobi National Trials)
Africa’s pride and a fan favorite, Omanyala consistently clocks sub-9.9s times at altitude and sea level. If he masters his start phase, he could make history in Tokyo.
- Letsile Tebogo 🇧🇼
PB: 9.88s
Age: 21
Botswana’s phenom shocked the world by nearly medaling at the 2024 Olympics. Known for his swagger and raw acceleration in the final 40m, he’s now training under top U.S. sprint coaches in Texas. Expect a breakout.
- Noah Lyles 🇺🇸
100m PB: 9.83s | 200m Reign: Undefeated since 2022
The reigning world 200m champ is putting more focus on the 100m this season. If he gets his start down, he could become the first man since Bolt to sweep both sprint events at a major championship.
Notables Outside the Top 5:
Akani Simbine (RSA) – Perennial finalist, but struggles to medal on the biggest stage.
Trayvon Bromell (USA) – Former favorite whose injuries have derailed consistency.
Zharnel Hughes (GBR) – Set a 9.83s PB in 2023 but faded during 2024.
The Science of Sprinting in 2025
In 2025, elite sprinters are using force plate tracking, stride analytics, and even genetic profiling to fine-tune performance. New Nike and Puma sprint spikes use carbon composites and 3D printed plates tailored to each athlete’s foot structure.
Athletes are also sleeping in oxygen-controlled recovery pods and using AI-formulated diets based on real-time blood sugar and hydration levels.
Is 9.5s in Danger?
Many experts believe Bolt’s 9.58s is “mathematically close to human maximum speed.” But with Tebogo, Lyles, and Omanyala all under 23, and training improving yearly, the future may hold a shocking upset — possibly in Tokyo this August.
Final Take:
There’s no definitive “fastest man alive” until Tokyo — but right now, Coleman holds the crown for his explosive consistency, with Kerley and Omanyala within striking range. Tebogo is the wildcard, and Lyles might just rewrite history if he peaks in time.
Who’s your pick for gold in Tokyo? Drop your predictions below — and bookmark this list for August.
