Meet the fastest female runners in the world

• The fastest female runners in the world have stunned the world with their best finishes
• From America’s Florence Griffith-Joyner to Jamaican icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the list has well known athletes
• Joyner clocked an astonishing 10.49 seconds at the US Olympic Trials in July 1988, which is the shortest time taken to complete a 100m race by a woman

Have you ever asked yourself who is the fastest woman sprinter? Worry no more because we’ve compiled a list of the fastest female runners in the world.

From America’s Florence Griffith-Joyner to Jamaican icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Marion Jones, the list has athletes who have stunned the world with their performance in the short races. This is because the title the fastest runner is usually given to the athlete who tops the short races. Without further ado, let’s get started.

1. Florence Griffith Joyner (10.49 seconds)

Florence Griffith Joyner. Photo/ TEAM USA.

Taking the top spot on the list of the fastest female runners in the world is sprinter Florence Griffith Joyner. The American clocked an astonishing 10.49 seconds at the US Olympic Trials in July 1988, surpassing the world record of 10.79 seconds at that time which had been set by Evelyn Ashford.

Also known as Flo-Jo, Joyner was a popular figure during the 1980s due to her electric pace and athleticism. She announced her retirement in 1989 despite still having the potential to achieve more. The American sadly passed away in her sleep in 1998. She was 38 at the time of her death.

2.. Elaine Thompson-Herah – (10.54 Seconds)

Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson-Herah came close but was still far from breaking Joyner’s record in 2021 when she clocked 10.54 seconds at the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League meet. Her status as one of the fastest female sprinters in the world was recognized in 2015 when she broke the 11-second barrier by clocking 10.92 seconds.

Elaine got more attention the following year competing at the Olympics when she broke her double sprint records. The Jamaican was also successful during her early career days as she won gold at the American and Caribbean Championships in the 4 x 100 m relay.

Elaine is the fastest woman alive in 100 metres and is widely considered to be one of the greatest athletes of all time. At 31, she still competes in the 60 metres, 100 metres and 200 metres.

3. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce – (10.60 seconds)

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. Photo/Eurosport.

Next on the list of the fastest female runners in the history books is Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. The Jamaican, who is always a threat for her opponents during races, managed a 10.60 second finish at the 2021 Lausanne Diamond League meet. She is an eight-time Olympic medalist and the most decorated 100 metres sprinter at the Olympic Games.

Nicknamed Pocket Rocket, Shelly-Ann is one of the most decorated runners in the world and even though she may not be as successful as the legendary Usain Bolt, she has dominated the women’s short races just like his male counterpart. She has won more international 100 metres world titles than any other female sprinter in the history of athletics. The 37-year-old is one of the athletes who have put Jamaica on the map in recent years.

4. Carmelita Jeter – 10.64 Seconds

Carmelita Jeter may be retired but still her name ranks among the fastest female runners. Born in California, United States, Jeter fell in love with sports at a young age. She initially played basketball, which was the most preferred sport in her family.

Whereas her brother, Eugene, would go on to play in the NBA, Jeter shifted to track and field and introduced herself to the athletics world by winning a silver medal in the 60 meter race at the USA Indoor Track and Field Championships in 2007.

Jeter quickly rose through the ranks and set her fastest speed at the 2009 Shanghai Golden Grand Prix when she completed the 100 metres race in 10.64 seconds. She was referred to as the fastest woman alive in the last decade.

5. Marion Jones, Sha’Carri Richardson, Shericka Jackson – 10.65 Seconds

Marion Jones. Photo/ Facts.net.

During the 1998 IAAF World Cup in South Africa, Marion Jones clocked 10.65 seconds to earn her spot among the fastest female runners. Her prowess continued at the 2000 Summer Olympics where she won three gold medals and two bronze medals. However, she was later stripped off those medals after admitting to steroid use.

Jones’ personal best of 10.65 seconds would later be equalled by Jamaican stars Sha’Carri Richardson and Shericka Jackson.