Sprinttider

Sprinttider is a Swedish term for the elapsed times achieved in sprint events within track and field. It is commonly used in Swedish athletics reporting to refer to the performance times of races such as 100 meters, 200 meters, and 400 meters, and also for indoor variants such as 60 meters. Times are typically expressed in seconds with decimal fractions, for example 10.34 s.

Measurement and records: In modern competitions, sprinttider are recorded with fully automatic timing systems that synchronize the start signal with a finish-line photo finish. Manual timing exists but is largely supplanted in official events. Sprinttider are used to determine results, rankings, season bests, and to set national and world records. World Athletics and national federations maintain lists of best performances, records, and progressions of sprinttider for men and women.

Factors: Sprinttider depend on speed, acceleration, technique, reaction time, and the efficiency of the start from the blocks, as well as track surface and wind conditions. Wind assistance beyond +2.0 meters per second does not count for record purposes; altitude can have a small effect on times.

Examples and context: World records in sprinting include 100 m, 9.58 s (Usain Bolt, 2009); 200 m, 19.19 s (Bolt, 2009); and 400 m, 43.03 s (Michael Johnson, 1999). In Sweden, sprinttider are tracked by Svenska Friidrottsförbundet and regional affiliates, and are used in national championships and athlete development.