The 7 Fastest Women in History

Track and field has always been about more than who crosses the line first. It is a sport based on rhythm, mental strength, and strategic technique, as well as years of unseen work. Sprinting in particular demands a rare combination of precision, power, confidence, and the ability to command the track in a sheer matter of seconds. This is all while carrying the weight and expectation of history and competition. The women who rise to the top of this sport are good at more than just running fast. They shape eras, they embody the highest discipline, and they elevate the sport to redefine what excellence looks like on the track. Ranked by their fastest records on the 100-meter race, here are the fastest women in history, who represent the highest standards set in women’s sprinting.

Florence Griffith-Joyner — 10.49 seconds

Leading this list is Florence Griffith-Joyner, or Flo-Jo, whose 10.49-second record set in 1988 is still the fastest women’s 100 meters ever recorded. This single performance redefined the expectations of human speed and has not been bested over three decades later. Flo-Jo’s style was always instantly recognizable: flawless mechanics, high-powered strides, and unmatched speed. Even with the speeds she set, she also brought visibility and cultural impact that few athletes ever have in women’s track. Her record continues to be one of the most iconic achievements in the history of sports.