sprinter
UK: ˈsprɪntə | US: ˈsprɪntər
n. a person who runs at full speed over a short distance
n. (figuratively) someone who works or acts quickly for a brief period
The word "sprinter" combines "sprint," derived from Old Norse "sprinta" (to jump up or dart), with the English agent suffix "-er." Originally, "sprint" referred to a short burst of speed, likely linked to the idea of leaping forward. Over time, it specialized in athletics to mean a short-distance race. The "-er" suffix denotes a person performing the action, making "sprinter" literally "one who sprints."
The sprinter broke the world record in the 100-meter dash.
She trained for years to become an Olympic sprinter.
In the final stretch, the sprinter surged ahead of his competitors.
As a sprinter, his explosive speed was unmatched.
The young sprinter dreams of winning a gold medal.