Cheetah running during the tests

Ever wondered why cheetahs are the fastest land animal? Or if the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, could beat one in a 100-meter dash? Researchers at the Structure and Motion Laboratory at the University of London set out to answer this question.

While Bolt can reach top speeds of 28 mph, even a captive cheetah averages 40 mph—and wild cheetahs can sprint up to 70 mph. Clearly, humans can’t compete with nature’s ultimate sprinter—but we can learn a lot from them.

Lessons From Cheetahs for Human Runners

Although humans will never match a cheetah’s top speed, biomechanics research reveals ways we can adapt their running mechanics to improve our own speed, efficiency, and injury prevention.

1. Minimize Heel Striking

Dr. Alan H. Wilson, professor at the Royal Veterinary College at the University of London, explains:

“Striking the ground with such shattering oomph can cause muscles to shred. The cheetahs reduced this risk by letting their paws linger a fraction of a second longer on the ground.”

For humans, reducing heel strike impact and maintaining a softer, midfoot landing can help prevent injuries while improving running efficiency.

2. Strengthen Upper Legs for Power

Cheetahs’ bulky upper legs generate explosive force, allowing for rapid acceleration. Humans can mimic this by focusing on exercises that build thigh strength, such as:

• Squats

• Lunges

• Box jumps

Stronger quadriceps and hamstrings increase sprinting power and help improve overall running speed.

3. Lighten the Lower Legs for Faster Repositioning

Dr. Wilson also notes:

“Having less weight in the lower portion of the leg aids in swift repositioning.”

For runners, investing in lightweight footwear—such as minimalist shoes, Inov-8 195s, or Vibram Five Fingers—can improve agility and speed, helping you move more efficiently.

Sprint Smarter: Applying Cheetah Mechanics to Your Training

While humans will never reach a cheetah’s top speed, adopting these principles—soft landings, strong thighs, and lightweight footwear—can improve your sprinting mechanics and reduce injury risk.

Check out footage comparing Usain Bolt’s running form with that of a cheetah to see how nature’s fastest sprinter moves and how you can adapt these lessons for your own training.