There's an interesting article on the BBC news website 'Speedy cheetahs put through their paces' (10 July 2009). Scientists at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) are using a running track, cameras and some chicken on a string to examine cheetahs running and compare the results to other species.

Cheetahs can accelerate to a top speed of over 104 km/h (64 mph) or more within just a few paces. That's over 40 km/h faster than a greyhound. It's difficult to understand how they can accomplish this but research is pointing to a few differences between them and other species such as their asymmetric gait and flexible spines. Research is still in progress. For more click here.

Cheetah on running track (BBC News)