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An Illustrated History of Sprints and Relays

By , About.com Guide

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The World's Fastest Man
An Illustrated History of Sprints and Relays

Jim Hines (in lane 3, third from top) at the 1968 Olympics

Tony Duffy/Allsport/Getty Images
The Olympic 100-meter dash champion traditionally gains the title of the "World's Fastest Man" (or woman). American Jim Hines was the first 100-meter sprinter to break the 10-second barrier in an Olympic final when he won the 1968 gold medal in 9.95 seconds.

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