Tracking Olympic Gold: Top Five Men’s 100m Sprinters to Watch at Paris 2024
As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, all eyes are on the men’s 100m sprint, a highlight of the games. This pinnacle event, anticipated for its dramatic showdowns, is a testament to peak athletic prowess. In the post-Usain Bolt era, new legends are eager to claim the spotlight, setting the stage for unforgettable races. Join Luke as he looks ahead to the 100m finals and highlights the athletes to watch.
The 100m sprint at the Olympic Games stands as the pinnacle of short-distance athletics, attracting viewers worldwide with its thrilling speed and intense competition. Historically, this event has highlighted the careers of some of the fastest athletes on the planet.
The anticipation for the Paris 2024 Olympics is particularly high, as it represents the first truly post-Bolt games where no previous Olympic winners are clear favourites. This open competition invites speculation and excitement, drawing attention from fans and media alike.
This event does not merely test speed but also mental strength and technical excellence. Athletes must harness peak physical condition and strategic race planning to succeed on this global stage. As technology and training methods evolve, so does the approach to mastering the 100m dash.
With the retirement of Usain Bolt, who redefined sprinting with his charismatic dominance and record-breaking speeds, the field has become more unpredictable. New talents are emerging, aiming to etch their names into Olympic history alongside legendary figures.
🥇 𝑬𝑰𝑮𝑯𝑻 𝑶𝑳𝒀𝑴𝑷𝑰𝑪 𝑮𝑶𝑳𝑫𝑺 🥇🇯🇲
Watch Usain Bolt win every single one of his Olympic medals! ⚡#Paris2024 | #100DaysToGo pic.twitter.com/QMo9GsnouD
— Eurosport (@eurosport) April 17, 2024
The upcoming Olympics promise to deliver not just a race but a story of human endeavour and excellence, watched by millions. As the date draws closer, the question on everyone’s mind is: Who will be the next sprint champion? The answer awaits in Paris, where the world’s fastest converge in a quest for Olympic glory.
The Legacy of Usain Bolt and the Open Field
Usain Bolt’s retirement marked the end of an era in the 100m sprint, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and a void in the track and field landscape. His presence at the starting blocks was enough to promise an electrifying performance.
Italy's Lamont Marcell Jacobs has been crowned the world's fastest man as he won the 100m title at the Tokyo Olympics https://t.co/iQ6W50Oc1t pic.twitter.com/CQ8dUTMZtI
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) August 1, 2021
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics showcased this void distinctly with Lamont Marcell Jacobs’ unexpected victory. Jacobs, who had not been a prominent figure on the international sprinting scene, captured gold in a moment that highlighted the new era of unpredictability in the sport.
This unpredictability has revitalised the competition in the 100m sprint, inviting a slew of athletes to step into the limelight. The absence of a single dominant figure has made the outcomes less predictable and more exciting for spectators and athletes alike.
The evolving dynamics within the sport reflect broader shifts in athletics, where advances in training, nutrition, and track technology are levelling the competitive field. This democratisation means that the gold medal is now a more attainable dream for a larger group of elite sprinters.
As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, the athletics community eagerly watches to see who will next dominate the 100m track. The legacy of Usain Bolt challenges every sprinter to not only chase victory but also capture the imagination of the global audience, just as he did.
Top 5 Sprinters to Watch
The men’s 100m sprint at Paris 2024 promises to showcase speed and strategy, highlighting top athletes poised for Olympic glory. This section introduces the five leading sprinters selected based on performance metrics, betting odds, and expert opinions.
Criteria for selection include consistent top finishes at major international events, favourable odds from the best sites where to bet on the Olympics, and endorsements from seasoned athletics analysts, underlining their potential for outstanding performances.
These athletes have proven their prowess across various championships, showcasing the resilience and tactical understanding necessary to excel on the Olympic stage. Their recent form and strategic preparations make them prime contenders.
Here, I’ll delve into each sprinter’s career achievements and their unique strengths to the highly competitive 100m event, setting the stage for a thrilling competition in Paris.
Fred Kerley – USA
Fred Kerley, an extraordinary talent in track and field, has made significant marks across multiple sprint events. Initially focusing on the 400 meters, Kerley’s transition to shorter sprints has brought him into the limelight of the 100-meter and 200-meter disciplines.
Fred Kerley confirmed for Jamaica Athletics Invitational (JAI), May 11, 2024.#JAAA #athleticsja #jainvitational #jai
Video courtesy of @WorldAthletics pic.twitter.com/tfWrL2MT9Y
— Athletics Jamaica (@Athletics_JA) April 16, 2024
His remarkable transition was highlighted by a silver medal in the 100 meters at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where he clocked a personal best of 9.76 seconds. This performance ranks him as the sixth fastest man ever over the straightaway, showcasing his explosive speed and adaptability.
Despite being ranked as the fifth favourite for the upcoming Paris Olympics, Kerley’s consistent performance, including his historic wins in the Diamond League and significant improvements in personal bests, underscores his potential to excel. His achievements in the 400 meters, including a world-leading time, add to his credibility as a versatile and formidable athlete.
Kerley’s strategic shift in focus to the 100 meters during the pandemic has proven fruitful, allowing him to refine his speed for shorter distances while maintaining his strength from the 400 meters. This unique combination of speed and endurance makes him a strong contender for the top spots in Paris, challenging the predictions and possibly delivering another surprising Olympic result.
| Fred Kerley – Personal Bests | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface | Event | Time | Venue | Date |
| Outdoor | 400 meters | 43.64 | Des Moines, IA, United States | July 27, 2019 |
| Outdoor | 200 meters | 19.76 A | Nairobi, Kenya | September 18, 2021 |
| Outdoor | 100 meters | 9.76 | Eugene, OR, United States | June 24, 2022 |
| Outdoor | 4 × 400 m relay | 2:56.69 | Doha, Qatar | October 6, 2019 |
| Outdoor | 4 × 200 m relay | 1:21.11 | Austin, TX, United States | April 2, 2016 |
| Outdoor | 4 × 100 m relay | 38.63 | San Salvador, El Salvador | July 16, 2017 |
| Indoor | 400 meters | 44.85 | College Station, TX, United States | March 11, 2017 |
| Indoor | 200 meters | 20.58 | Fayetteville, AR, United States | January 27, 2017 |
| Indoor | 4 × 400 m relay | 3:01.97 | Birmingham, United Kingdom | March 4, 2018 |
Andre De Grasse – Canada
Andre De Grasse, a Canadian sprinter and six-time Olympic medalist, has made a significant mark in the athletics world, especially in the 200 meters where he clinched Olympic gold in 2020. His prowess in this event underscores his exceptional speed and strategic racing abilities.
“Andre De Grasse and the other sprinters are better because they are working harder, whereas Usain Bolt is just pure talent” 😂. pic.twitter.com/jKhbRKKjgZ
— DopeFutImage (@FutDope) April 3, 2023
Despite his success in the 200 meters, De Grasse’s performance in the 100 meters has been less consistent. While he has earned Olympic bronze in this event twice, his results have often fallen short of his achievements in the 200 meters, illustrating a unique pattern in his career trajectory.
His historic win in the 200 meters at the Tokyo Olympics marked a significant achievement, breaking a long-standing Canadian drought in track golds and establishing him as one of the premier sprinters of his generation. This victory also highlighted his ability to perform under pressure and cement his legacy in Canadian sports history.
Looking towards the Paris 2024 Olympics, De Grasse’s track record suggests he could once again be a major contender, particularly in the 200 meters. However, his challenge remains to translate his dominance from the 200 meters to consistent success in the 100 meters, offering a storyline filled with potential redemption and further accolades.
| Andre De Grasse – Personal Bests | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Event | Time | Wind (m/s) | Venue | Date |
| 60 m | 6.60 | — | Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S. | February 7, 2015 |
| 100 m | 9.89 | +0.1 | Tokyo, Japan | August 1, 2021 |
| 100 m (Wind-assisted) | 9.69 w | +4.8 | Stockholm, Sweden | June 18, 2017 |
| 200 m | 19.62 | −0.5 | Tokyo, Japan | August 4, 2021 |
| 200 m (Wind-assisted) | 19.58 w | +2.4 | Eugene, Oregon, U.S. | June 12, 2015 |
| Indoor 200 m | 20.26 | — | Fayetteville, Arkansas, U.S. | March 14, 2015 |
| 4×100 m relay | 37.48 | — | Eugene, Oregon, U.S. | July 23, 2022 |
| 4×200 m relay | 1:19.20 | — | Gainesville, Florida, U.S. | April 2, 2016 |
Akani Simbine – South Africa
Akani Simbine has consistently been a formidable competitor in the 100 meters, representing South Africa with distinction. His personal best of 9.84 seconds briefly set a new African record, showcasing his elite speed.
LISTEN: Akani Simbine aims high for Paris 2024 Olympics despite funding challenges https://t.co/iCTDSstk7w
— 947 Music.Life (@947) April 11, 2024
Despite his successes, Simbine has often narrowly missed the podium in global events like the Olympics and World Championships, evidencing both his potential and the fierce competitiveness of international sprinting.
He has excelled in regional competitions, winning titles at the African Championships and Commonwealth Games, affirming his status as a top sprinter on these stages.
As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, Simbine’s preparation and experience position him as a strong contender, potentially ready to peak and claim the Olympic medal that has eluded him thus far.
| Akani Simbine – Personal Bests | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Event | Time (s) | Wind (m/s) | Venue | Date |
| 100 m | 9.84 | +1.2 | Székesfehérvár, Hungary | 6 July 2021 |
| 100 m (Altitude and wind-assisted) | 9.82 A w | +2.8 | Pretoria, South Africa | 15 April 2021 |
| 150 m (Altitude-assisted) | 15.08 A | NWI | Johannesburg, South Africa | 15 February 2020 |
| 200 m (Altitude-assisted) | 19.95 A | +1.7 | Pretoria, South Africa | 4 March 2017 |
| 4×100 m relay | 37.65 | — | Doha, Qatar | 4 October 2019 |
| 4×200 m relay | 1:20.42 | — | Yokohama, Japan | 12 May 2019 |
Ronnie Baker – USA
Ronnie Baker, an exceptional American sprinter specialising in the sprints, has established a formidable track record over both 60 meters and 100 meters. His blistering pace over 60 meters, where he clocked a personal best of 6.40 seconds, ranks him as the third-fastest in history. His dominance is further evident from his multiple championship wins, including the USA Indoor Championships and a medal at the World Indoor Championships.
Louisville native Ronnie Baker qualifies for Tokyo Olympics in 100 meters https://t.co/VK8fmS884v
— Courier Journal Sports (@sports_cj) June 21, 2021
In the 100 meters, Baker has proven his prowess on the Diamond League circuit, consistently finishing among the top competitors. His peak performance came in 2018 when he was the fastest man in the world, over 60 meters and among the top in the 100 meters. His personal best of 9.83 seconds at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics semi-finals further solidified his reputation, tying him as the sixth fastest Olympian in the event’s history.
Despite his impressive speed, Baker remains somewhat of a wildcard in the sprinting world due to his ability to deliver unexpected performances when it matters most. His capacity to peak at the right moments makes him a thrilling competitor to watch and a serious threat to his rivals at any major championship.
As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, Baker’s potential to achieve greatness is palpable. With his track record of excellent performances and strategic racing prowess, he is poised to capitalise on his experiences and possibly secure his first Olympic medal, making him one of the top athletes to watch in the upcoming Games.
| Ronnie Baker – Personal Bests | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Event | Time (s) | Wind (m/s) | Venue | Date |
| 60 m (Altitude-assisted) | 6.40 A | — | Albuquerque, New Mexico, US | February 18, 2018 |
| 100 m | 9.83 | +0.9 | Tokyo, Japan | August 1, 2021 |
| 100 m (Wind-assisted) | 9.78 w | +2.4 | Eugene, Oregon, US | May 26, 2018 |
| 200 m | 20.55 | +1.6 | Austin, Texas, US | March 31, 2018 |
| 200 m (Wind-assisted) | 20.06 w | +4.3 | Austin, Texas, US | April 29, 2017 |
| 200 m indoor (Altitude-assisted) | 20.60 A | — | Albuquerque, New Mexico, US | January 30, 2016 |
| 4×100 m relay | 38.09 | — | Knoxville, Tennessee, US | April 14, 2018 |
Trayvon Bromell – USA
Trayvon Bromell, an elite American sprinter, has long been recognised as one of the fastest men in track and field. His journey is marked by a blend of remarkable triumphs and significant challenges, primarily due to injuries. Bromell’s career took off early when he became the first junior to break the 10-second barrier in the 100 meters, setting a junior world record with a time of 9.97 seconds. His rapid ascension continued as he posted personal bests of 6.42 seconds in the 60 meters and 9.76 seconds in the 100 meters, ranking him as the joint sixth-fastest man of all time in these events.
The world lead in the Men’s 100m in 2021
Trayvon Bromell, 9.76! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/IsbNi1RWFI— Dav (@ideekhayy) November 28, 2023
Bromell’s prowess on the track was evident from his high school days and continued as he moved into professional athletics. Despite a promising start, his career faced hurdles, particularly with injuries that hindered his progress. Notably, his participation in the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Olympics did not yield the medals expected, although he reached impressive speeds, showcasing his potential to dominate. His resilience in overcoming these setbacks defines his career just as much as his speed.
In 2022, Bromell reminded the world of his capabilities by winning the Diamond League 100m championship, signalling a return to form. This victory was a testament to his enduring talent and his ability to come back at the highest level of competition. His story is not just about natural speed but also about a relentless pursuit of excellence despite physical and psychological barriers.
Looking ahead to the Paris 2024 Olympics, Bromell’s status as one of the fastest contenders is clear. If he maintains his fitness, he could very well realise the full extent of his early promise in what could be a defining moment in his career. His journey back from injuries and his current form makes him a fascinating athlete to watch, with the potential to achieve the Olympic success that has narrowly eluded him thus far.
| Trayvon Bromell – Personal Bests | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Event | Time (s) | Wind (m/s) | Venue | Date |
| 60 m indoor | 6.42 | — | Clemson, SC, United States | February 10, 2023 |
| 100 m (Altitude-assisted) | 9.76 A | +1.2 | Nairobi, Kenya | September 18, 2021 |
| 200 m | 20.03 | +2.0 | Eugene, OR, United States | June 10, 2015 |
| 200 m (Wind-assisted) | 19.86 w | +2.4 | Eugene, OR, United States | June 12, 2015 |
| 200 m indoor | 20.19 | — | Fayetteville, AR, United States | March 14, 2015 |
| 4 × 100 m relay | 37.87 | — | Monaco, Monaco | July 17, 2015 |
Men’s 100m Contenders – Final Thoughts
The men’s 100m final at the Paris 2024 Olympics on August 4th is set to be an electrifying showcase, marked by the blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents. The unpredictability inherent in the sport promises an exciting contest where anything could happen, as seen in previous Olympic showdowns.
Fred Kerley, with his rapid adaptation to the 100m and history of close finishes, embodies the fierce competitive spirit expected in Paris. Andre De Grasse, known for his clutch performances in the 200m, continues to seek a breakthrough in the 100m that could redefine his Olympic legacy.
Akani Simbine, consistently near the podium, may find Paris the perfect stage for a career-defining performance. Ronnie Baker’s wildcard status, fueled by his unexpected peaks, makes him a thrilling contender. Trayvon Bromell’s journey back from injuries and his recent resurgence highlights him as a potential favourite, provided he maintains his form.
Each athlete brings unique strengths and compelling narratives to the Paris track, making the upcoming 100m final not just a race but a chapter in the annals of athletics history waiting to be written. Their stories of resilience, speed, and tactical prowess set the stage for a memorable Olympic moment.
