A new simulation vividly illustrates the immense gap between the speed of Usain Bolt, the fastest man ever recorded, and the fastest dog in the world. Though Bolt has retired, his legacy as a phenomenal sprinter remains unchallenged. During his prime, Bolt set numerous records, including the unforgettable 100m world record in 2009, completing the sprint in an astonishing 9.58 seconds. Additionally, his 200m record of 19.19 seconds still stands firm today.
Throughout his career, Bolt accumulated eight Olympic gold medals before retiring in 2017. Many believe his records are virtually unbeatable. Despite attempts from notable sprinters such as Yohan Blake, Tyson Gay, and Noah Lyles, no one has come close to dethroning Bolt’s supremacy. Bolt remains the fastest human on the planet, and his unparalleled speed has spurred a unique interest among fans on social media.
Fans have speculated about how Bolt would fare against various members of the animal kingdom. One intriguing comparison has been made with the cheetah, the fastest land animal on Earth. Unsurprisingly, in such hypothetical races, the cheetah emerges victorious.
However, a recent computer-generated simulation has pitted Bolt against a greyhound, the fastest dog breed in the world. Greyhounds possess remarkable speed due to their powerful legs, flexible spine, deep chest, and lean build, enabling them to reach racing speeds of up to 40 mph. When comparing this to Bolt’s peak performance, his average speed during his world record-breaking 100m sprint in 2009 was about 23.35 mph—almost half the speed of a greyhound.
The simulation, uploaded on the MotionAthlete channel on YouTube, showcases just how significantly Bolt would be outpaced. In a straightforward 100m race, the greyhound completes the distance in a mere 5.80 seconds, finishing nearly four seconds ahead of the legendary sprinter. Even when Bolt is given a substantial head start, the greyhound manages to catch up and narrowly win the race.
Bolt has previously discussed the potential vulnerability of his records in an interview with World Athletics Inside Track. When asked which of his records might be broken first, Bolt speculated that the 100m record would be more challenging to surpass due to the minimal margin for error in such a short race.
This simulation not only highlights the extraordinary speed of greyhounds but also underscores the exceptional achievements of Usain Bolt. While Bolt’s records stand as a testament to human athletic prowess, the comparison with a greyhound emphasizes the remarkable capabilities of the animal kingdom. The simulation provides an engaging perspective on the limits of human speed and the fascinating dynamics of speed across different species.
