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Paris Olympics 2024 highlighted top sprinters showcasing dramatic races and new records in the 100m by athletes from varied nations.
The world’s fastest humans showcased their speed and stamina at the Paris Olympics, but the echelon of sprinting talent extends beyond the Olympic track.
As 2024 progresses, these top athletes continue to dominate the 100m dash on the global stage.
Pulse Sports looks at the five sprinters leading the world rankings this year.
1. Kishane Thompson
Despite a heart-stopping second-place finish in the closest 100m Olympic final in history, Thompson’s season has been nothing short of spectacular.
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His record-setting dash of 9.77 seconds at the National Stadium in Kingston on June 28 aided by a favorable +0.9 m/s wind underlined his status as the world's top sprinter.
At the Olympics, Thompson's strong start and powerful sprint nearly clinched him the gold, but he was edged out by a mere five-thousandths of a second.
The silver medal did little to overshadow his achievements throughout the season, which have solidified his reputation as a sprinter of extraordinary caliber.
His consistent performance sets the stage for what promises to be a continuing rivalry with the world's elite sprinters.
2. Ferdinand Omanyala
Kenya's Ferdinand Omanyala has risen as a formidable force in the world of sprinting, marking his territory among the fastest with a remarkable time of 9.79 seconds.
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Achieving this feat on June 15 at Nairobi's Nyayo National Stadium, Omanyala was propelled by a +1.5 m/s tailwind, which helped him captivate his home crowd and cement his position as the second-fastest 100m sprinter of 2024.
Despite his success earlier in the season, Omanyala faced disappointment at the Paris Olympics, where he did not advance to the final, finishing eighth in his semifinal.
This setback, however, has only fueled his determination to improve and make a significant comeback in future competitions.
3. Noah Lyles
Noah Lyles turned heads with his electrifying sprint at the Paris Olympics, capturing the gold medal in a dramatic finish.
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Lyles, clocked a personal best and season-equaling time of 9.79 seconds at the Stade de France on August 4, securing his place among the elite with a +1.0 m/s wind assistance.
This victory marked a significant milestone, giving the U.S. its first Olympic 100m title in two decades.
Looking ahead Lyles is poised to be a key figure in international sprinting with eyes set on defending his title and breaking more records.
4. Fred Kerley
American sprinter Fred Kerley has also shone brightly in 2024 delivering a compelling performance at the Paris Olympics.
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On the same day as Lyles, Kerley sprinted to a time of 9.81 seconds, matching the intensity and speed of his competitors with a +1.0 m/s wind at his back.
This performance secured him a bronze medal, adding to the U.S.'s success in the sprinting events and marking him as a key player on the global stage.
5. Oblique Seville
Rounding out the top five is Jamaica’s Oblique Seville, who has consistently shown he is among the world’s fastest.
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Matching Kerley’s time of 9.81 seconds at the Paris Olympics, Seville benefitted from a slightly gentler +0.7 m/s wind, tying him for fourth place in the year's rankings.
His performance in Paris, where he finished eighth in the final, showcased his potential to contend at the highest levels.
Seville’s journey in the 2024 season has been marked by strong performances and steady improvement, indicating his readiness to take on more established names in the sprinting world.
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