We all know Usain Bolt – he is the king of the 100m race. Right? But do you know there are more kings and queens in other categories of athletics? The Olympic Games have been a stage for extraordinary human achievements, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in track and field events.
From lightning-fast sprints to gravity-defying jumps and superhuman throws, Olympic records in athletics showcase the peak of human physical performance. These records stand as testaments to years of training, unwavering dedication, and moments of sheer brilliance on the world’s biggest sporting stage.
Olympic Records in Athletics
While Bolt’s 9.58-second 100m world record (set at the 2009 World Championships) still stands as the fastest time ever recorded, the Olympics have seen numerous other breathtaking performances across various disciplines.
From Florence Griffith-Joyner’s seemingly unbreakable women’s 100m and 200m records to Jonathan Edwards’ triple jump marvel, each event has its own legends and landmark achievements.
But what makes these records so special? And who are the other extraordinary athletes who have etched their names in Olympic history?
Let’s take a look!
Men Olympic Records in Athletics
The men’s athletics events have seen some truly remarkable performances over the years. Here’s a look at the current Olympic records held by male athletes:
Track Events:
| Event | Record | Athlete(s) | Country | Location | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100m | 9.63 seconds | Usain Bolt | Jamaica | London, United Kingdom | 2012 |
| 200m | 19.30 seconds | Usain Bolt | Jamaica | Beijing, China | 2008 |
| 400m | 43.03 seconds | Wayde van Niekerk | South Africa | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | 2016 |
| 800m | 1:40.91 | David Rudisha | Kenya | London, United Kingdom | 2012 |
| 1500m | 3:28.32 | Jakob Ingebrigtsen | Norway | Tokyo, Japan | 2021 |
| 5000m | 12:57.82 | Kenenisa Bekele | Ethiopia | Beijing, China | 2008 |
| 10,000m | 27:01.17 | Kenenisa Bekele | Ethiopia | Beijing, China | 2008 |
| Marathon | 2:06:32 | Samuel Wanjiru | Kenya | Beijing, China | 2008 |
| 110m hurdles | 12.91 | Liu Xiang | China | Athens, Greece | 2004 |
| 400m hurdles | 45.94 | Karsten Warholm | Norway | Tokyo, Japan | 2021 |
| 3,000m steeplechase | 8:03.28 | Conseslus Kipruto | Kenya | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | 2016 |
| 4×100m relay | 36.84 |
Nesta Carter Michael Frater Yohan Blake Usain Bolt |
Jamaica | London, United Kingdom | 2012 |
| 4×400m relay | 2:55.39 |
LaShawn Merritt Angelo Taylor David Neville Jeremy Wariner |
United States | Beijing, China | 2008 |
| 20 km walk | 1:18:46 | Chen Ding | China | London, United Kingdom | 2012 |
| 50 km walk | 3:36:53 | Jared Tallent | Australia | London, United Kingdom | 2012 |
Field Events:
| Event | Record | Athlete | Country | Location | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Jump | 2.39m (7 ft 10 in) | Charles Austin | United States | Atlanta, United States | 1996 |
| Long Jump | 8.90m (29 ft 2 in) | Bob Beamon | United States | Mexico City, Mexico | 1968 |
| Pole Vault | 6.03m (19 ft 9 in) | Thiago Braz | Brazil | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | 2016 |
| Shot Put | 22.52m (73 ft 10 in) | Ryan Crouser | United States | Tokyo, Japan | 2021 |
| Javelin Throw | 90.57m (297 ft 1 in) | Andreas Thorkildsen | Norway | Beijing, China | 2008 |
| Discus throw | 69.89m (229 ft 3 in) | Virgilijus Alekna | Lithuania | Athens, Greece | 2004 |
| Decathlon | 9018 pts | Damian Warner | Canada | Tokyo, Japan | 2021 |
Women Olympic Records in Athletics
The women’s athletics events have seen tremendous progress over the years, with performances continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Here are some of the current Olympic records held by female athletes:
Track Events:
| Event | Record | Athlete | Country | Location | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100m | 10.61 seconds | Elaine Thompson-Herah | Jamaica | Tokyo, Japan | 2021 |
| 200m | 21.34 seconds | Florence Griffith-Joyner | USA | Seoul, South Korea | 1988 |
| 400m | 48.25 seconds | Marie-José Pérec | France | Atlanta, United States | 1996 |
| 800m | 1:53.43 | Nadezhda Olizarenko | Soviet Union | Moscow, Soviet Union | 1980 |
| 1500m | 3:53.11 | Faith Kipyegon | Kenya | Tokyo, Japan | 2021 |
| 5000m | 14:26.17 | Vivian Cheruiyot | Kenya | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | 2016 |
| 10,000m | 29:17.45 | Almaz Ayana | Ethiopia | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | 2016 |
| Marathon | 2:23:07 | Tiki Gelana | Ethiopia | London, United Kingdom | 2012 |
Field Events:
| Event | Record | Athlete | Country | Location | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Jump | 2.06m (6 ft 9 in) | Yelena Slesarenko | Russia | Athens, Greece | 2004 |
| Long Jump | 7.40m (24 ft 3 in) | Jackie Joyner-Kersee | USA | Seoul, South Korea | 1988 |
| Pole Vault | 5.05m (16 ft 7 in) | Yelena Isinbayeva | Russia | Beijing, China | 2008 |
| Shot Put | 22.41m (73 ft 6 in) | Ilona Slupianek | East Germany | Moscow, Soviet Union | 1988 |
| Discus Throw | 72.30m (237 ft 2 in) | Martina Hellmann | East Germany | Seoul, South Korea | 1988 |
Oldest Olympic Records
While many Olympic records fall with each passing Games, some extraordinary performances have stood the test of time. These long-standing records are a testament to the exceptional athletes who set them and the difficulty in surpassing such remarkable achievements. Here are some of the oldest Olympic records still standing in athletics:
Oldest Olympic Records Infographic
Men’s Long Jump: 8.90m
Set by Bob Beamon (United States) in 1968 in Mexico City, Mexico.
Women’s Shot Put: 22.41m
Set by Ilona Slupianek (East Germany) in 1980 in Moscow, Soviet Union.
Women’s 800m: 1:53.43
Set by Nadezhda Olizarenko (Soviet Union) in 1980 in Moscow, Soviet Union.
Women’s 400m Hurdles: 52.64 seconds
Set by Jackie Joyner-Kersee (United States) in 1988 in Seoul, South Korea.
Olympic Records that are also World Records
Some Olympic performances have been so exceptional that they not only set new standards for the Games but also for the sport as a whole. Here are some Olympic records in athletics that currently stand as world records:
Olympic Records that are also World Records Infographic
Men’s 400m: 43.03 seconds – Wayde van Niekerk (South Africa), 2016
Van Niekerk’s incredible run from lane 8 in Rio de Janeiro stunned the world and broke Michael Johnson’s long-standing record.
Men’s 800m: 1:40.91 – David Rudisha (Kenya), 2012
Kenya’s David Rudisha roared to a breathtaking win at London Olympics. He led other athletes throughout the race to break the world record.
Men’s 400m Hurdles: 45.94 – Karsten Warholm (Norway), 2021
Karsten Warholm is a three-time world champion who broke the 400m hurdles record at Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021.
Women’s 200m: 21.34 – Florence Griffith Joyner (United States), 1988
Florence Griffith’s record set at the Seoul Olympics in 1988 remains one of the oldest world and Olympic records.
These performances represent the peak of athletic achievement, with athletes managing to surpass previous benchmarks on the world’s biggest stage. The fact that these records stand as both Olympic and world records underscores the significance of the Olympic Games in pushing athletes to their absolute limits.
Olympic Records Held by Kenya
Kenya has long been a powerhouse in distance running, and this is reflected in the number of Olympic records held by Kenyan athletes. The country’s success in middle and long-distance events has made it one of the most successful nations in Olympic athletics. Here are some of the notable Olympic records held by Kenyan athletes:
Olympic Records Held by Kenya Infographic
Men’s 800m: 1:40.91 – David Rudisha, 2012
Rudisha’s performance in the 2012 London Olympics is widely regarded as one of the greatest 800m races ever run. He led from start to finish, breaking his own world record in the process. This record still stands as both the Olympic and world record.
Men’s 1500m: 3:32.07 – Noah Ngeny, 2000
Ngeny displayed a dominant performance in Sydney 2000 when he defeated the overwhelming favorite Hicham El Guerrouj. It was considered one of the greatest upsets at the Sydney Olympics.
Men’s 3000m Steeplechase: 8:03.28 – Conseslus Kipruto, 2016
While not currently the world record, Kipruto’s run in Rio de Janeiro set a new Olympic standard for this event, which has long been dominated by Kenyan athletes.
Men’s Marathon: 2:06:32 – Samuel Wanjiru, 2008
Wanjiru’s time in Beijing remains the fastest marathon ever run in Olympic competition, highlighting Kenya’s strength in road racing as well as track events.
Women’s 5000m: 14:26.17 – Vivian Cheruiyot, 2016
Cheruiyot’s victory in Rio showcased her versatility across long-distance events and set a new Olympic benchmark.
The Legacy of Olympic Excellence
As we’ve seen, these records span a diverse range of events, from sprints to marathons. Each one tells a unique story of athletic prowess, often breaking barriers that were once thought impossible. Athletes like Usain Bolt, David Rudisha, and others have not only set new standards but have also captured the imagination of millions worldwide.
