Racers Grand Prix: Lyles aims to replicate four Jamaican sprint legends as he reveals what makes Kingston's National Stadium special

Racers Grand Prix: Lyles aims to replicate four Jamaican sprint legends as he reveals what makes Kingston's National Stadium special

Mark Kinyanjui 20:08 - 01.06.2024

Lyles has revealed what makes the National Stadium in Kingston special as he itches to break its 100m record at the Racers' Grand Prix.

Fans might witness one of the fastest times on Jamaican soil this Saturday as six-time World Champion Noah Lyles aims to break the National Stadium record in the 100m at the Racers Grand Prix.

The 26-year-old American, competing at the meet for the third time, is gearing up for the Paris Olympics where he hopes to secure the individual sprint double.

Lyles, whose personal best in the 100m is 9.83 seconds, achieved during his gold-medal run at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest last year, has set his sights on surpassing Yohan Blake’s 9.75 seconds— the fastest 100m time ever recorded at the National Stadium, set during the National Championships in 2012.

“What’s the stadium record, 9.75? Let’s go after that, why not? Shoot for the stars, aim for the moon. I’d love to see a PR (personal record) tomorrow and the times I’ve been seeing (in training and the season) suggest I will PR tomorrow,” Lyles said, expressing his ambitious goals.

The American sprinter's determination is fueled by a desire to emulate Jamaican sprint legends. Reflecting on the iconic figures who have graced the same track, Lyles shared his motivation: 

“As I was walking through the hallways last year, walking through the tunnels and the dark alleyways, I have done that tons of time brand new stadiums, including Oregon and New York. 

“As I was coming down, I was like, Usain Bolt has come through this tunnel, Yohan Blake has walked through this tunnel, Asafa Powell, Nesta Carter, and they have dropped crazy times on this track."

Lyles added, “I want to add my name to that list. I have done it in the 200 and now I want to do it in the 100. I have got the world championships for it. I want to prove that I am a W (winner).”

Lyles will face stiff competition from young Jamaican sprint star Oblique Seville, Britain’s Zharnel Hughes, and Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala. 

Yet, it is his admiration for the Jamaican sprint greats that primarily fuels his drive to make history.

As Lyles prepares to step onto the track, he carries the inspiration and legacy of Bolt, Blake, Powell, and Carter. 

The Racers Grand Prix is set to be a thrilling showcase of speed and ambition, with Lyles aiming not only for victory but also for a place among the legends of sprinting history.

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