Outlier Studio

This statistic highlights just how dominant Usain Bolt was during the most competitive era in sprinting.

Many of the fastest 100-meter performances in history have later been linked to athletes who received doping bans, causing records and results to be questioned.

Bolt stands apart because he was never sanctioned for a doping violation throughout his career.

Despite competing against rivals in an era clouded by repeated scandals, his achievements have remained intact.

His world record of 9.58 seconds, set at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, still stands as the fastest legally recognized 100-meter time ever recorded.

His combination of explosive acceleration, unusually long stride length, and relaxed running style made him unlike any sprinter before him.