Female sprinters and their heights?

Question

Hey everyone!

I was just wondering about this. How tall are female sprinters, like of course it varies, but in general, are they short or tall? I heard that sprinters are often on the shorter side, and longer distance runners tend to be a little taller.

I do lots of athletics (sprints mostly) and i'm "only" 5'6 - Is this ok or would it affect my running?

So could you maybe name some sprinters and their heights?

Thanx - please only serious answers. =)

Answer 1

Your height is fine.  

Allyson Felix is 5' 6"

http://www.usatf.org/athletes/bios/Felix...

Lauryn Williams is 5' 3"

http://www.usatf.org/athletes/bios/Willi...

and Sanya Richards is 5' 8"

http://www.usatf.org/athletes/bios/Richa...

Answer 2

any height!!!! i was one and i am only 5foot2 ;)

Answer 3

it doesn't matter just as long as your fast.

i mean tall people have an advantage due to the fact that they have a longer stride, but you don't have as much weight to carry and if your legs move quicker you will be faster then them.

Answer 4

Sprinting is typically a power sport so sprinters tend to be on the shorter side.  There is a mechanical advantage to having shorter muscles since the maximum force capabilities of a muscle is related to the cross-sectional area of the muscle.  This is the reason why gymnasts tend to be shorter too.

All this being said, the world record in the men's 100m was just broken by 6'5" tall named Bolt.  Given his height he would seem to be more of a 200m or 400m athlete.

Your height is neither too tall or too short.  The biggest thing is to train right.  I was a state finalist in the 400m at 6'3" but I also ran the 100m to work on my starts.  I was typically the skinniest guy on the line and missed out on making State by one place.  Height estimates are just rules of thumbs.  A good coach will know how to get the most from your body type regardless of height and weight.  I have worked with athletes of sizes and by keeping an open mind, I have been pleasantly surprised on what they can do when they don't realize they are not "supposed" to be good at something.

Good Luck!