'I'm knocking on the door of the 200m' - Noah Lyles explains why Usain Bolt's record still motivates him

Noah Lyles and Usain Bolt

'I'm knocking on the door of the 200m' - Noah Lyles explains why Usain Bolt's record still motivates him

Festus Chuma 15:09 - 21.12.2024

Noah Lyles has expressed his determination to break Usain Bolt's 200m world record while honoring the sprinting legend's legacy.

Olympic champion Noah Lyles has never shied away from discussing his ambitions, and now, he has made his feelings clear about chasing Usain Bolt’s long-standing 200m world record to claim the coveted title of the 'fastest man alive.'

The American sprinter, who recently cemented his dominance in the 200m circuit, shared his thoughts on the distinction between the 'Fastest Man Alive' and the 'Fastest Man in the World,' offering clarity on the ongoing debate surrounding these titles.

"So I'm the World's Fastest Man. You get it with the title of being the Olympic Champion. Technically the fastest man alive is Usain Bolt," Lyles said on the latest episode of his podcast, Beyond the Records.

Lyles has been a force in the 200m, his specialty event, achieving remarkable milestones that place him firmly among the elite sprinters of all time.

At the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, he clocked an astounding 19.31 seconds, the third-fastest 200m in history.

This performance not only earned him a place in the record books but also fueled his drive to take on Bolt’s monumental 19.19-second world record—a time that has remained untouched since 2009.

Despite his efforts, Lyles acknowledges the complexity of breaking such a mark, saying, "I'm knocking on the door of the 200m. If it was that easy, I would have done that five years ago."

Lyles, who holds the American record for the 200m, takes pride in his achievements while recognizing the legacy of his compatriots.

"But I'm the fastest American ever to live. I have the American record, and so does Rai (Benjamin) as well. He has the American record in the 400m hurdles. So we are the fastest Americans that have ever lived in humanity. You know which is pretty cool as well. We are constantly getting closer and closer to, you know, breaking world records."

His confidence has been a hallmark of his career, a trait that even Usain Bolt himself has acknowledged.

Earlier this year, Bolt commented on Lyles' dominance in the sprinting circuit, noting the American’s remarkable self-assurance.

"He's good, but he's not that good at the level, yet. I think he will get better over the years. So, the fact that he is winning now is crazy. One thing I respect about Lyles is his confidence. That's the thing he has over most of these athletes," Bolt shared via Talk Sporting.

Bolt also pointed out areas for improvement, suggesting that Lyles requires "a little more polishing" to become a serious threat to his world record.

Lyles' journey has been marked by both triumphs and challenges.

His unbeaten streak in the 200m was a testament to his dominance, but the Paris Olympics saw him finish third, underscoring the unpredictability of elite-level competition.

Nevertheless, Lyles remains undeterred, using every race as a stepping stone toward his ultimate goal.

His pursuit of greatness represents a larger narrative of ambition, respect for legacy, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

While Usain Bolt’s record remains intact for now, Lyles' determination ensures that the conversation around the 200m world record remains as electrifying as ever.

Whether he breaks the record or not, Lyles’ confidence and talent have solidified his place as one of the greatest sprinters of his era.

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