Usain Bolt vs. Greyhound: Simulation Reveals Who’s Truly Faster!

Usain Bolt holds the title of the fastest human ever recorded, but how does he stack up against a racing greyhound? A recent 3D simulation has provided an answer to the whimsical question: in a 100-meter dash, who would emerge victorious, Bolt or a greyhound?

The result: the greyhound wins hands down.

A viral video contrasts Bolt’s record-breaking 9.58-second sprint at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin with the astonishing velocity of a greyhound. Evidently, even the most decorated sprinter in Olympic history is no match for the sheer speed of this racing breed.

Bolt vs. Greyhound: The Ultimate Speed Showdown Settled by Simulation

Having retired in 2017 with eight Olympic gold medals and the world records for both the 100m and 200m, Bolt achieved peak speeds of about 27.8 mph (44.7 km/h) during his fastest run. That speed is unmatched by any other person on the planet, but it falls short against a greyhound, which can reach speeds exceeding 47 mph (77 km/h).

The simulation illustrates Bolt exploding out of the starting blocks with the force and finesse that made him famous. However, the greyhound effortlessly overtakes him, finishing a good 2-3 seconds ahead by the end of the race. It’s a clear victory for the greyhound.

This comparison serves as a stark reminder of the natural limits that differentiate humans from the top athletes of the animal world. Greyhounds, optimized for speed with their elongated legs, streamlined bodies, and incredibly flexible spines, are akin to biological sports cars. In contrast, even the quickest humans simply aren’t engineered for that level of sheer speed.

Yet, Bolt’s record still stands unchallenged, and it might remain that way for some time. Upcoming stars like the 17-year-old Gout Gout, already touted as the next big thing in sprinting, still have a long journey ahead. Interestingly, Gout has already made a mark by becoming the fastest 16-year-old at the 200m, surpassing Bolt’s record at that age by nearly a tenth of a second. While Bolt’s legacy remains intact for now, the new generation is quickly gaining ground.

So, while humans may not outpace racing dogs in the near future, there’s more to racing than just speed. Greyhounds may take the trophy in a sprint, but they lack the charisma to energize crowds, showcase flashy footwear, or make iconic poses like Bolt. The greyhound may be faster, but Bolt is the one who forever transformed the world of sprinting.