This 22-Year-Old Trained Like a Wild Animal, Then Crushed a Guinness World Record by Running 100M on All Fours in 14.55 Seconds

Japanese athlete Ryusei Yonee just sprinted 100 meters on all fours in 14.55 seconds, setting a new Guinness World Records mark.

That blistering pace showcases how animal-inspired movement and smart training can unlock surprising speed and strength.

Curious what crawling can do for shoulders, core, and conditioning without pounding joints.

Below, find the record context, training insights, safety tips, and a beginner plan to try all-fours work responsibly.

Quotes from Yonee also reveal how surface choice and technique shaped his breakthrough.

New world record, big takeaway

Ryusei Yonee, age 22, pushed the fastest 100 m on all fours to 14.55 seconds, according to Guinness World Records coverage by Masakazu Senda on 24 September 2025.

That time knocked down the 2022 record by Collin McClure at 15.66 seconds, which itself eclipsed Kenichi Ito’s 18.58 seconds from 2008.

Progress across seventeen years shows rapid gains when technique, surfaces, and preparation align.

For everyday athletes, crawling patterns can sharpen coordination, reinforce shoulder stability, and build resilient conditioning when used with care.

Record progression at a glance

Year	Athlete	Country	100 m Time
2008	Kenichi Ito	Japan	18.58 s
2022	Collin McClure	USA	15.66 s
2025	Ryusei Yonee	Japan	14.55 s

How Yonee trained: animals plus applied sport science

Early curiosity about wild movement patterns led Yonee to study dogs, cats, and monkeys.

Observation informed limb timing and body angles, while coaches and sports physicians guided load management.

Surface choice proved pivotal during final preparation.

“I was mostly training in the sand,” he explained. “The track has a lot more rebound, which changed my running form.”

That rebound altered force return, so technique evolved to match the track’s spring.

Support also mattered during the attempt.

“I feel that competitive sport is not just for the athletes, but also for everyone who is at the venue.”

Mindset, community, and precise practice combined to deliver a high-performance outcome.

Why crawling belongs in smart training

Quadrupedal drills strengthen closed-chain shoulders while engaging deep core muscles.

Gait-like contralateral coordination can transfer to sprint mechanics, change of direction, and balance.

Potential benefits

Shoulder health through scapular control in a closed chain.
Core integration across ribcage, pelvis, and hips for spinal stability.
Hips and glutes strengthened in mid-range positions without heavy axial load.
Conditioning stimulus with low impact compared with running.
Motor learning from hand-foot rhythm that supports athletic movement.

Programming remains scalable for most fitness levels when volume and difficulty get adjusted gradually.

Beginners can start with short sets and longer rests to manage fatigue safely.

Safety first: risks, red flags, and modifications

Wrists, elbows, and shoulders handle substantial load during crawling.

Low back and knees also absorb stress when posture collapses or fatigue sets in.

Who should modify or get clearance

History of wrist pain, carpal tunnel, or recent upper limb injury.
Active shoulder impingement, rotator cuff flare, or instability.
Acute knee issues, patellofemoral pain, or skin breakdown risks.
Pregnancy or early postpartum without provider guidance for core demands.
Hypermobility syndromes requiring careful joint loading strategies.

Medical consultation supports safe progression when pain, numbness, or tingling appear.

Stopping at first sign of sharp discomfort prevents escalation.

Getting started: a step-by-step progression

Slow tempos build control before speed or distance.

Consistent technique protects joints while improving capacity.

Warm-up in 6 minutes

Wrist prep: flexion/extension rocks, 10 each direction.
Scapular push-ups: 10 controlled reps.
Cat-cow to thread-the-needle: 5 per side.
Hip hinge to bear hold transitions: 3 rounds of 20 seconds holds.

Technique cues for solid form

Neutral spine with ribs stacked over pelvis.
Hands under shoulders, knees under hips for baseline spacing.
Press the floor to create shoulder stability through protraction.
Short steps with opposite hand and foot moving together.
Quiet steps, minimal torso sway, and steady breathing.

Four-week beginner plan

Frequency targets two sessions per week with at least 48 hours between sessions.

Rests extend as needed to keep flawless form.

Week 1: Bear crawl 5 x 10 meters, easy pace, 60–90 seconds rest.
Week 2: Leopard crawl 6 x 10 meters, moderate pace, 60 seconds rest.
Week 3: Forward and backward bear crawl 4 x 12 meters each, 75 seconds rest.
Week 4: Timed sets, 6 x 20 seconds work, 70–90 seconds rest, focus on smooth rhythm.

Progressions and regressions

Easier: Elevated hands on a box to unload wrists and shoulders.
Easier: Static bear holds for 20–30 seconds before moving steps.
Harder: Lateral crawls, uphill segments, or light sled drags via harness.
Harder: Tempo intervals with metronome to challenge cadence.

Surface, gear, and recovery

Soft turf and rubber tracks reduce abrasion while offering traction.

Sand slows pace and heightens stability demands, which can teach control without heavy impact.

Thin training gloves protect skin yet keep tactile feedback.

Knee sleeves or long tights limit scrapes during early practice.

Post-session care matters for longevity.

Use forearm and wrist mobility drills, gentle forearm massage, and light grip work to restore tissue tolerance.

Frequently asked questions

Will crawling help running speed

Contralateral patterning supports timing, trunk stiffness, and arm drive that carry into sprints.

Benefits complement classic sprint drills rather than replace them.

How much conditioning does crawling provide

Heart rate climbs quickly due to whole-body involvement and core bracing.

Intervals deliver potent doses with modest joint impact when distances stay short.

How often should sessions occur

Two weekly exposures work well for most trainees during the first month.

Additional frequency can follow once wrists and shoulders adapt without residual soreness.

Mindset and motivation from the record holder

Yonee credits community and environment alongside mechanics.