The 7 Fastest Women in History (3 of 4)

Melissa Jefferson-Wooden — 10.61 seconds

Melissa Jefferson-Wooden is currently the fastest woman in the world in the 100m outdoor sprint. At the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, she ran a stunning 10.61 seconds to win gold and set a new championship record. This performance ranks among the top in history, tying Florence Griffith-Joyner’s Olympic record and placing Jefferson-Wooden as the fourth-fastest woman of all time. Her run was the fastest 100m by any woman since 2021, and she dominated the 2025 season unbeaten, earning the No. 1 world ranking.

Carmelita Jeter — 10.64 seconds

Fourth on the list is Carmelita Jeter, clocking in at 10.64 seconds, which is her fastest record. For a period of time, Jeter was the fastest competing woman in the world. Her approach was marked by strong finishes and a powerful turnover, which allowed her to be a key challenger amongst her competition. Her performances came during one of the most aggressively competitive eras in women’s track. This illustrates how her record sets the standard for speed achieved during her era in track.