Comparing Jesse Owens and Usain Bolt: Top Speed and Average Speed
Comparing Jesse Owens and Usain Bolt: Top Speed and Average Speed
When it comes to sprinting, two athletes stand out for their remarkable speed and records: Jesse Owens and Usain Bolt. In this article, we will compare their top speeds and average speeds, providing insights into how they measured up against each other.
Top Speeds of Jesse Owens and Usain Bolt
According to records, both Jesse Owens and Usain Bolt have impressive top speeds.
Jesse Owens
Top Speed: Jesse Owens, the legendary American sprinter from the 1930s, had a top running speed of 28 mph (45 kph). This top speed was achieved during his time. Specifically, Owens set the world record in the 100-yard dash in 1936, which translates to a top speed of 28 mph.
For reference, a 100-yard dash is approximately 91.4 meters, which is shorter than a standard 100m track. Despite this, his overall running style and strength allowed him to maintain a high-speed during his races.
Usain Bolt
Top Speed: Usain Bolt, the Jamaican sprinter and perhaps the most famous athlete from the 21st century, holds the record for the top speed. His personal best in top speed was 27.8 mph (44.7 kph). Bolt set this record during the 100m dash in 2009 and has maintained it since.
Bolt's electrifying performances not only earned him multiple Olympic gold medals but also solidified his status as one of the fastest humans in history. His peak speed was measured using sophisticated video analysis techniques and has been recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Average Speeds: Jesse Owens vs. Usain Bolt
To truly understand the comparative performance between these two athletes, we can look at their average speeds over a full 100m sprint.
Jesse Owens
During his 1936 performance, Jesse Owens ran the 100m dash in 10.3 seconds. This is approximately 9.15 seconds when converted to a standard 100m track.
To calculate Owens' average speed:
100m/10.3 seconds 9.68 meters per second (m/s) 1 m/s 2.23694 mph So, 9.68 m/s 9.68 x 2.23694 21.67 mphThus, Jesse Owens' average speed in a 100m dash was approximately 21.67 mph.
Usain Bolt
When Usain Bolt ran the 100m dash in 2009, his average speed can be calculated as follows:
100m/9.58 seconds 10.41 meters per second (m/s) 1 m/s 2.23694 mph So, 10.41 m/s 10.41 x 2.23694 23.33 mphTherefore, Usain Bolt's average speed in a 100m dash was approximately 23.33 mph.
Conclusion
From these calculations, it is clear that Usain Bolt had a higher average speed compared to Jesse Owens. However, both athletes pushed the boundaries of human speed and performance. Owens' record in the 100-yard dash shows his extraordinary top speed, while Bolt's lower average speed (due to less consistent acceleration) translated into a faster overall time over the full 100m distance.
Regardless of their average speeds, the performances of Jesse Owens and Usain Bolt remain icons in the world of track and field, inspiring generations of athletes and setting records that may never be broken.