The Fastest Person on Earth

Usain Bolt, a tall, lightning-fast runner from Jamaica, didn't just beat the 100-meter world record—he completely destroyed it. During the 2009 World Championships, Bolt blasted out of the starting blocks and ran so fast he looked like he was flying.

The most amazing detail? Bolt was famous for eating chicken nuggets before his big races and smiling at the cameras even as he crossed the finish line. He proved that you can be the fiercest competitor in the world and still have fun doing it.

How Is That Even Possible?

To run this fast, an athlete must fight the fundamental laws of physics and air resistance. Bolt's muscles were conditioned to recruit fibers in perfect explosive unison. Taking advantage of a legal tailwind of just under +2.0 meters per second, his tall frame generated unbelievable kinetic power.