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Justin Gatlin on how he would obliterate 2024 version of Noah Lyles and 1996 version on Donovan Bailey in a hypothetical dash between all three Olympic 100 meter champions.
American sprinting legend Justin Gatlin has weighed in on a hypothetical matchup pitting his 2015 prime self against Donovan Bailey’s 1996 version and Noah Lyles’ 2024 Olympic champion in a 150-meter dash.
Each of the three sprinters holds an Olympic 100m title. Donovan Bailey triumphed at the 1996 Atlanta Games with a then-world record of 9.84 seconds, Gatlin clinched gold in Athens 2004, while Lyles ended a 20-year drought for the U.S. in the 100m at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The debate surrounding one-on-one matchups in sprinting has gained traction in recent years, fueled by unconventional challenges like Noah Lyles’ recent 50-meter race against content creator Ishowspeed and Mondo Duplantis’ victory over Karsten Warholm in a 100-meter dash.
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15:49 - 14.11.2024
American legends Michael Johnson & Dennis Mitchell agree with Fred Kerley & Gabby Thomas on the 'difficulty' of USATF Olympic trials
The USATF Olympic trials have been described as 'tougher' than the Olympic games themselves, something Michael Johnson, Dennis Mitchell, Gabby Thomas and Fred Kerley all agree on.
Speaking on his Ready Set Go podcast, Gatlin confidently stated that he would emerge victorious in such a contest while acknowledging the unique strengths of his competitors.
“I gotta bet on me,” Gatlin said with a laugh. “I think where I can take advantage is my start. I’ve always had a better start than most sprinters, and that would give me the edge early on. From there, it’s about maintaining that lead and executing perfectly against their strengths.”
Gatlin’s take added fresh intrigue to the ongoing discussions, offering insight into how he might strategize in a 150-meter faceoff against Bailey and Lyles.
Breaking Down the Race
Gatlin emphasized his edge in the initial phases of the race, pointing out his superior start.
“When Donovan won the Olympics, he wasn’t in the lead at all early on. He was fourth, but once he hit his top-end speed, he just ran everyone down.
“ So, the strategy would be crucial. I’d focus on maximizing my start, having a strong transition, and maintaining my top-end speed without decelerating.”
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07:00 - 15.11.2024
'It shook my exsistence' -Why Kishane Thompson is still furious to have lost to Noah Lyles at Paris Olympic 100m final
Kishane Thompson is still unhappy with his second place finish in the final of the 100 meter race at the Paris 2024 Olympic games, where he narrowly lost to Noah Lyles, who the Jamaican believes he is 'actually faster than'.
Reflecting on his own form in 2015, Gatlin noted his consistency as a sprinter that year, running five sub-9.79-second races and clocking an impressive 19.5 in the 200m. “The numbers show I am winning,” he said confidently.
However, Gatlin admitted the race wouldn’t be an easy victory. “I’d have hell on my hands, I won’t lie,” he said, recalling Lyles’ exceptional turn speed and top-end momentum. “When he ran 19.3, it was like, ‘That’s a different level right there.’”
While the proposed matchup remains hypothetical, Gatlin’s analysis highlights the thrilling possibilities of comparing legends across eras.
With recent buzz around unconventional races—like Tyreek Hill potentially racing Lyles and Fred Kerley being challenged by Cole Hocker to a 600m dash—the idea of Gatlin, Bailey, and Lyles competing in a 150m showdown adds another layer of excitement for athletics fans.
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