How a single false start at the Rio Olympics inspired a sprinting epic
In short: When author Uoto watched the 2016 Rio Olympics, a disqualification for a false start sparked a fascination with the intensity of sprinting. This observation transformed a one-shot manga into the gripping series 100 Meters, a story of rivalry, obsession, and the heavy psychological toll of elite competition.
Initially released as a one-shot named 100'M, the series secured a Special Encouragement Award during the 97th Weekly Shonen Magazine Newcomer Manga Awards. Following an online surge in readership, Kodansha serialized the work on the Magazine Pocket website from November 2018 to August 2019. The narrative follows Togashi, a prodigious sprinter whose talent is matched by a later decline due to immense pressure, and Komiya, a socially isolated student who finds an escape from reality through running. The manga was eventually collected into five tankōbon volumes. This series began as a one-shot titled 100'M.
The story spans decades, tracking the characters from grade school through high school and into adulthood. It explores the intense psychological landscape of professional athletics, including the burden of family reputations and the physical risks of the sport, such as muscle strains and injuries. The narrative culminates ten years after the initial rivalry, with Togashi and Komiya facing off in a final, ambiguous championship race. The plot examines how athletes manage injuries and the intense pressure to perform for their families. It also details the characters' transition from junior high to professional life.
The saga reached a new audience through a rotoscoped anime film directed by Kenji Iwaizawa. To ensure authenticity, the production team interviewed professional sprinter Ippei Takeda. The film's technical ambition is highlighted by a single long take lasting three minutes and forty seconds, a sequence composed of 9,800 frames that required over a year of animation to complete. The film premiered at the 2025 Annecy International Animation Film Festival before its global Netflix release on December 31, 2025. The film's soundtrack was composed by Hiroaki Tsutsumi. Additionally, the theme song, 'Rashisa', is performed by Official Hige Dandism.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 100 Meters (manga)
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/history-100-meters-manga.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Born on this day · More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics
