London, Aug 7 (IANS) Even as Usain Bolt is busy burning up the Olympic track, a survey showed that Theo Walcott is the fastest footballer in the English Premier League (EPL).

While Bolt ran at an incredible 27.5 miles an hour setting his 100m world record (9.58 seconds) at the 2009 Berlin World Championship, Walcott is rated the quickest on the football turf, though at 22.72 mph he is nowhere near the Jamaican. Yet, the Arsenal striker has rattled many a defender with his blistering runs down the right flank.

Hot on Walcott's heels is his former teammate Sol Campbell who in his heydays was recorded at a top speed of 22.50mph. The bulky defender was notorious for his bursts upfront.

The survey, conducted by givemefootball.com, shows the latest bad boy of EPL, Mario Balotelli, is not too far behind at 22.37mph. and so are Welsh wizard Gareth Bale, Chelsea's Ashley Cole and Manchester United defender Chris Smalling.

It is a bitter pill to swallow for many of the Real Madrid fans, but Cristaino Ronaldo is not as quick as they think. The Portuguese star has a top speed of 20.87mph, slightly ahead of slowpokes like Arjen Robben (20.44mph), Wayne Rooney (20.25mph) and Robin van Persie (19.94mph).

Wonder how quick some of the Indian sportsmen run, cricketers in particular?