Animesh Kujur has officially become India’s fastest man, smashing the 100m national record with a stunning 10.18-second dash, a breakthrough partly thanks to an unexpected coaching collaboration with a bobsleigh expert.
A Historic Sprint in Greece
While India celebrated Neeraj Chopra’s excellence in Bengaluru, another historic moment unfolded quietly in Vari, Greece. Animesh Kujur made his mark at the Dromia International Sprint and Relays meet.
He won the second final of the men’s 100m, clocking an overall third-best time. Only South Africa’s Benjamin Richardson (10.01s) and Oman’s Ali Al Balushi (10.12s) finished ahead of him.
The “Cool Runnings” Twist
In a unique twist, much like the movie where sprinters turn to bobsled, Kujur’s preparation involved a bobsleigh coach. He trained with Chris Wolley, a renowned expert in the winter Olympic sport, focusing on strength and conditioning.
Martin Owens, Animesh’s coach at Reliance Foundation, explained the collaboration. He noted that many technical improvements happen in the gym and with the physio. Working with Wolley at the Swiss Olympic Center proved highly beneficial.
Wolley specifically worked on Animesh’s movement patterns for his start, helping him be more dynamic in his initial strides. This focus on the first few powerful steps sets up a stronger, more mechanically sound race.
Coach Owens’ Elation
The hard work paid off, as Animesh shaved a significant 0.09 seconds off his previous personal best of 10.27s, set last year in Spain. Coach Owens expressed his delight at the new national record.
He praised Animesh’s race execution, noting he held his shape through the middle and finished perfectly. Owens believes competing against top international athletes, who match his speed, prevents him from panicking and pushes him to excel.
From Tribal Village to Track Star
Animesh Kujur, 22, hails from the tribal Ghuitangar village in the Jashpur district of Chhattisgarh. His journey to becoming India’s fastest man is a testament to his dedication.
He broke the previous 100m national record of 10.20s, set by Gurindervir Singh earlier in March 2025. During his record-breaking race, Kujur didn’t have the quickest start but shifted gears in the final 40 meters, securing the win with a powerful finish.
Crucial European Tour
Animesh and other Indian sprinters, including Lalu Bhoi, Manikanta Hoblidhar, Gurindervir Singh, and Jayaram Dondapati, are currently on a European tour. This tour is vital for participating in World Athletics continental meets and improving their timings.
Coach Owens highlighted the importance of quality competitions where athletes constantly push each other. The conducive environment in Greece, with favourable wind conditions on race day, also played a role in Kujur’s record-breaking performance.
What’s Next for Animesh
Kujur is set to compete in the Monaco Diamond League on July 11th, where he will race in the U23 200m event. This initiative for up-and-coming sprinters offers a great platform.
He will be sharing the field with some of the world’s best, including Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo of Botswana, which will be an invaluable experience. Animesh now holds both the 100m and 200m national records, solidifying his status as India’s premier sprinter.
- Animesh Kujur set a new 100m national record of 10.18 seconds in Greece.
- His training included unique strength and conditioning with bobsleigh coach Chris Wolley.
- This record-breaking run was part of a strategic European tour for Indian sprinters.
- Kujur will next compete at the Monaco Diamond League in the U23 200m race.
With both 100m and 200m national records now in his name, Animesh Kujur has firmly established himself as the fastest man in India.
