4:42pm UK, Thursday September 10, 2009A cheetah called Sarah has set a new speed record for all land mammals.
The big cat covered 100 metres in an amazing 6.13 seconds in Cincinnati, America.
Sarah eclipsed the previous 6.19 seconds record on a specially-designed course at Cincinnati Zoo's Regional Cheetah Breeding Facility at Mast Farm.
She is now officially the world's fastest land animal.
The cheetah was so quick that she caught up with the lure that was encouraging her to hit such high speeds.The Cincinnati Enquirer's website said the record attempt was meant to draw attention to the plight of animals.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the species as threatened, the risk level just below endangered.
The worldwide cheetah population is estimated at fewer than 10,000, the Enquirer said.
The animals can reach speeds of up to 70mph over short distances.
In their natural habitat, the African savannah, cheetahs use their speed to chase down prey.
In comparison, humans are much slower when it comes to sprinting.
Jamaica's Usain Bolt holds the 100-metre record with a time of 9.58 seconds, which he set at the world championships.
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Cheetah-Land-Speed-Record-Sarah-Sets-New-100m-Record-In-Cincinnati/Article/200909215379001?f=rss
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