Track is a demanding sport that requires conditioning, skill, mental focus and strength. There have been many great runners in the various distances. Track stars who have broken world records, winning gold medals and world championships, are the track runners that stand out as being the best in the world.
Usain Bolt
Jamaican track runner Usain Bolt holds the world record for his time in the 100 and 200 meter sprint. As of 2011, his record 100 meter time is 9:58, set on August 16, 2009 in Berlin. Bolt's 200 meter record was set on August 20, 2009 in Berlin, with a time of 19:19. Winning three gold medals in the 2008 Olympics, and three in the 2009 IAAF World Championships, the "New York Times" and "Time" magazine each note that Bolt as the "worlds fastest human."
Michael Johnson
Michael Johnson holds the world record in the 400 meter track run, setting it on August 26, 1999 in Seville. As of 2011, this record still stands. Johnson has won 12 gold medals during his track career, and was awarded the 1996 Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year award. He also took the Track and Field Athlete of the Year in 1990 and 1996. While in College, Johnson set six school records for Baylor University from 1987 until 1990.
Hicham El Guerrouj
Hicham El Guerrouj holds the world record for the 1500 meter run, setting the record on July 14, 1998 in Rome, Italy at three minutes and 26 seconds. He also holds the world record for the mile run and 2,000 meter run. The mile run was set on July 7, 1999 in Rome, earning El Guerrouj the nickname, " King of the Mile." El Guerrouj's 2,000 meter record was set on September 7, 1999 in Berlin. El Guerrouj finished his career winning two Olympic gold medals and seven IAAF world championships.
Florence Griffith-Joyner
To date, Florence Griffith-Joyner has earned three Olympic gold medals and one IAAF World Championship. As of 2011, Griffith-Joyner still owns the record of the women's 100 and 200 meter run. She won the 1988 Women's Track and Field Athlete of the Year Award, and the 1988 United Press International Athlete of the Year. Griffith-Joyner was also an NCAA Nation Champion runner in the 200 metres. According to "Sports Illustrated," Florence Griffith-Joyner is the worlds fastest woman.
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