Introduction to the Question
Determining the 2nd fastest man in the world requires verified athletics data, primarily sourced from World Athletics (formerly IAAF). As of the most recent official records, the title of the second-fastest man in history belongs to Tyson Gay, an American sprinter who ran 9.68 seconds for 100 meters in 2009. This profile explains the context of that performance, the measurement standards used, and how athletes are placed in historical rankings.
How 100m Rankings Are Determined
World rankings rely on automatically timed races that meet strict criteria: fully automatic timing (FAT), wind-legal conditions (≤+2.0 m/s), and adherence to technical rules. Only valid performances from sanctioned competitions are recognized. Times are recorded to hundredths of a second and used to establish world rankings, seasonal lists, and all-time tables. Wind readings, doping violations, and legal wind status are verified before records are accepted.
Wind Measurement and Legal Status
Wind speed is measured at two meters above ground and averaged across the track. A tailwind must not exceed +2.0 m/s to be considered legal for record purposes. Many high wind readings are invalidated if they exceed this threshold, even if they produce fast times. Additionally, any performance involving prohibited substances can be rescinded, affecting a runner’s position on historical lists.
Tyson Gay: The Second-Fastest Man
Tyson Gay’s 9.68 was set at the 2009 World Championships in Athletics in Berlin, Germany, with a wind reading of −0.6 m/s (legal). This performance moved him into second place on the all-time men’s 100m list, behind only Usain Bolt’s 9.58 from 2009. Gay’s career also includes strong results at the World Athletics Championships and the Olympic Games, but his 9.68 remains his standout verified mark.
Doping Disqualification Context
It is important to note that Gay later accepted a doping sanction in 2013 related to out-of-competition testing, which affected his results and reputation. While his 9.68 remains on the all-time list, athletes and historians contextualize performances within the regulatory environment of the period.
Other Notable Performances Near the Top
Several other sprinters have recorded 9.70- to 9.75-second performances that rank highly but fall behind Gay. These results are legal, wind-validated, and recognized by World Athletics. Seasonal lists and championships data show how performances cluster in this range, making margins of hundredths important for placement.
Top Performances at a Glance
| Rank | Athlete | Time (s) | Wind (m/s) | Date | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Usain Bolt | 9.58 | +1.0 | 16 Aug 2009 | World Championships, Berlin |
| 2 | Tyson Gay | 9.68 | −0.6 | 15 Aug 2009 | World Championships, Berlin |
| 3 | Justin Gatlin | 9.74 | −0.1 | 26 Aug 2015 | World Championships, Beijing |
| 4 | Yohan Blake | 9.75 | −0.5 | 23 Aug 2012 | Olympic Games, London |
| 5 | Trayvon Bromell | 9.76 | +1.6 | 24 Jun 2022 | US Championships, Eugene |
| 5 | Fred Kerley | 9.76 | +1.3 | 21 Jul 2023 | Anniversary Games, London |
Key Definitions and Concepts
- Fully Automatic Timing (FAT): Electronic timing to hundredths, used in all world record attempts.
- Wind-legal: A tailwind of +2.0 m/s or less at measurement height; required for record eligibility.
- World Athletics List: The official all-time ranking maintained by the global governing body of track and field.
- Doping sanction: A penalty imposed after a violation of anti-doping rules, which may affect result status and recognition.
How to Interpret Historical Rankings
When comparing sprinters, consider not only the time but also the context: wind, altitude (World Athletics keeps separate lists for altitude-assisted performances), and regulatory compliance. Times within hundredths can appear close but may differ in legal status. Rankings evolve as new performances are validated and as sanctions are applied retroactively.
Conclusion
The 2nd fastest man in history, based on verified 100m performances, is Tyson Gay with 9.68 seconds set at the 2009 World Championships. This status is confirmed by World Athletics and reflects current all-time rankings as of the latest updates. Understanding the context of FAT timing, wind legality, and compliance policies ensures accurate interpretation of historical speed records.