To run at full speed over a short distance, typically involving maximum effort for brief periods. As a noun, it refers to a short-distance race or the act of running at top speed.
From Old Norse 'sprinta' meaning 'to jump up, spring.' The word entered English in the 16th century originally meaning 'to leap' before evolving to mean 'to run fast' by the 1800s.
The 100-meter sprint is often called 'the fastest event on earth,' but it's actually decided in the first 60 meters—elite sprinters reach 95% of their top speed by then! Usain Bolt's world record stride length was an incredible 9.5 feet per step.
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