Is Noah Lyles actually faster than Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake over his 'wife' 200 meters? 3D simulation reveals all

Is Noah Lyles actually faster than Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake over his 'wife' 200 meters? 3D simulation reveals all

Mark Kinyanjui 19:10 - 14.10.2024

A simulation has revealed whether Noah Lyles would beat Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake in his favorite 200 meter race.

The debate over who reigns supreme in the 200 meters has reignited as fans, pundits, and analysts compare the explosive performances of Noah Lyles, Yohan Blake, and the legendary Usain Bolt. 

Bolt’s name has long been synonymous with unparalleled speed, but Lyles’ recent form in the 100m and 200m has brought fresh discussion into the mix. 

Meanwhile, Blake, often overshadowed by Bolt, has always been a formidable force in the sprinting world, owning the second-fastest 100m and 200m times in history. But when these three athletes are pitted against each other in a hypothetical 200m race, who truly comes out on top?

Usain Bolt’s career is legendary. With eight Olympic gold medals and multiple world records, including the jaw-dropping 9.58 seconds in the 100 meters and 19.19 seconds in the 200 meters, Bolt is widely regarded as the fastest man in history. 

His astonishing run at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, where he set the 200m world record, left an indelible mark on the sport. With an average speed of 23.35 mph in the 100m, Bolt’s athletic dominance seemed untouchable.

After Bolt retired in 2017, the sprinting world struggled to fill the void. While many sprinters tried to rise to his level, none came close to matching his prowess—until Noah Lyles began to shine on the international stage.

Lyles has consistently referenced the 200 meters as his “wife,” reflecting his passion and dominance in the event. With three world titles and two Olympic bronze medals in the 200m, Lyles has made it clear that he is one of the top contenders in modern sprinting. His personal best of 19.31 seconds is a testament to his speed and skill, placing him among the fastest in history.

However, when we strip away the excitement of his recent achievements and compare him to the all-time greats, how does Lyles fare against Bolt and Blake in a hypothetical head-to-head?

Yohan Blake, often known as “The Beast,” is one of the most underappreciated sprinters of all time. Blake’s 19.26-second 200m personal best is second only to Bolt’s world record, and his 100m personal best of 9.69 seconds ties him with Tyson Gay for the second-fastest time in history.

Despite often running in Bolt’s shadow, Blake’s performances were nothing short of extraordinary. He holds the Jamaican national junior record for the 100m and was the youngest sprinter to break the 10-second barrier, a feat that highlights his immense talent.

In a race that combines Lyles, Blake, and Bolt, the stats and past performances tell a compelling story.

The 200m Showdown: Bolt vs. Blake vs. Lyles

In a hypothetical 200m race organized by Motion Athlete, all three titans are placed on the track to face each other. Predictably, Usain Bolt emerges victorious, showcasing the same margin of dominance he demonstrated throughout his career. His legendary time of 19.19 seconds, set in Berlin with a slight headwind of -0.3 m/s, remains unmatched.

Yohan Blake, however, wasn’t far behind. Despite his slower reaction time (0.269 seconds off the blocks), Blake managed to clock an impressive 19.31 seconds in Brussels back in 2011, with a +0.7 m/s wind. When adjusted for reaction time, Blake’s corrected time could theoretically match Bolt’s 19.17 seconds, making him an equal contender.

Noah Lyles, with his wind-assisted time of 19.31 seconds (set in Oregon with a +0.4 m/s wind), finishes third. In terms of raw speed and statistics, Lyles' 19.34-second time, when wind is eliminated, falls just shy of the incredible pace set by Bolt and Blake.

Reaction Times and Margins

Blake’s slower reaction time in the hypothetical race is a crucial factor. When corrected for equal reaction times, assuming all three sprinters started at 0.133 seconds off the blocks, Blake actually finishes with the same 19.17-second time as Bolt. This adjustment raises an intriguing question: Could Blake have been a co-record holder if circumstances were different?

Meanwhile, Lyles, despite his dominance in recent years, struggles to match the blistering pace of Bolt and Blake in this showdown. Though his accomplishments in the 200m are incredible, they still place him a step behind these two titans.

The Verdict: Bolt Still Reigns Supreme

In the ultimate 200m race between Bolt, Blake, and Lyles, Usain Bolt remains the fastest, even when considering reaction times and wind conditions. Blake’s potential to match Bolt’s 19.17 seconds under ideal conditions makes him a close second, leaving Noah Lyles in third place. While Lyles has carved out a legacy of his own, particularly with his consistency in the 200m, he still has work to do if he hopes to dethrone the Jamaican giants of sprinting.

For now, Usain Bolt’s title as the fastest man in history remains firmly intact, while Yohan Blake’s underrated brilliance continues to impress. Noah Lyles, the new star of the 200m, may soon rise to the challenge, but as of now, the sprinting throne still belongs to Bolt.

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