Amidst the uproar following Noah Lyles‘ controversial comments, the track and field world is abuzz with yet another speculation. Lyles, who ignited the world with his remarks about the state of the sport, now finds himself at the center of the debate of biting more than he can chew off. Adding to the drama of Lyles’ remarks surrounding Usain Bolt, the “Lightning Bolt” has now posted a cryptic message that has left fans and athletes guessing. Previously. Lyles, aiming to challenge Bolt’s long-standing records, stated, “He was the fastest man ever to do it… And soon, it’ll be me.” 

Bolt’s recent social media post, however, has only intensified the scrutiny surrounding Lyles’ comments. The backlash against Noah suggests that his remarks might have hurt the sport’s image. As the track and field community grapples with these developments, the tension and uncertainty about the sport’s future are palpable.

Usain Bolt’s cryptic message indicates a return

The 2024 season is buzzing with excitement as the Paris Olympics approach. In the wake of it, Bolt added to the hype with a cryptic message on his X page, stating: “Someone once said Winners don’t let losers rewrite history 🕵🏿‍♂️,” fueling speculation about his possible return to the field. Bolt, an 8-time Olympic gold medalist, hasn’t competed since the World Championships in July, with his latest post intriguing many on social media. The excitement intensified when Noah Lyles appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show on July 17, where Clarkson introduced him as the “fastest man alive,” and Lyles quickly replied with a humble remark: “Yeah, let’s hope” for the Paris 2024 Olympics. His comment, along with his tweet, was seen as a subtle jab at sprinting legends like Bolt. Considering that Lyles proclaimed that soon it’ll be ‘himself’ to break the records of the speedster, could Bolt’s comments hint at a deeper challenge lying within the anonymity of the person he addressed as a ‘loser’?

Noah Lyles has been making headlines with his performances. At Hayward Field on Saturday, he clocked a 19.53-second run in 200m with a wind speed of +0.5, just 0.34 seconds shy of Usain Bolt’s 200m world record of 19.19 in -0.3 wind set in the 2009 World Championships in Berlin—a time that is the fastest ever recorded in US Olympic track and field trials. The U.S. record holder of 19.31s seems to be quite pleased with his Hayward result, stating, “I’m satisfied with the time. It’s right next to what I ran at the world championships last year. 19.5 is pretty much my zip code, where like my average is 19.5… And I mean, as we’re getting closer and closer to the Olympics, it’s like ‘alright fine.” For someone who just straight-out claimed that he will “win two golds in the 100 and 200” in 20223 Budapest WAC without any maybes or buts and then went ahead to be named 1st in both, it remains to be seen what’s waiting for this speedster in the upcoming races.

For now, after finishing his London race with 9.81 seconds, claiming yet another top position once again, the sprinter plans to make a significant impact at the Paris Olympics, where he plans to compete in all four events: 100m, 200m, 4x100m, and 4x400m. His recent timing at the U.S. Trials in Hayward Field also moved him up to third on the all-time list, beating Erriyon Knighton, who had previously set a 19.77-second record. With the recent turn in events, fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an exhilarating showdown, with Lyles potentially drawing inspiration from Bolt’s comments on his achievements.

Track & Field enthusiasts have been buzzing with speculation and excitement, sending waves across X following Bolt’s tweet

Extending to the vibrant, varied reactions of fans—a reflection of palpable anticipation and rampant speculation regarding his aspirations for another comeback. One fan reacted and commented, “Noah finally got on his nerves, real”, hinting that the line could be targeted at current star sprinter Noah Lyles, underscoring how real the rivalry between Noah and Bolt was and continues to be throughout track talk. As one asked, “Please tell me this is a Noah reference somehow,” their sentiments further reflected the apparent wish or assumption that Bolt’s vague message is about Lyles. The majority of the onlookers seem to have been hoping to see the aftermath of what Lyles has said or done, provoking Bolt. 

“Yeah because now is not the time to be humble… that man is playing in your face and trying to erase your life’s work,” this one stated what he believes to be blatant truth, conveying frustration by saying that Bolt must be modest in the face of Noah’s comments. Just the idea that Bolt has a right to stand up for his record and legacy, which is challenged by a comparatively new sprinter, stems from what the fan believes is a lack of respect. Bolt’s legendary status as the “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT) is well acknowledged by this one, who also highlights the enduring impact he has had on the world of sprinting, stating, “The 🐐 has spoken @LylesNoah”.

Lastly, this one statement: “We watched you write history several times, that first world record in Beijing when easing down was something else. Losers just like to be winners in their own minds” is all about admiring Bolt’s historical achievements till now, especially that world record of sub 9.6 at Berlin and how only a few, fleeting ones could dare think to undermine him now. Usain Bolt’s tweet has certainly generated plenty of chatter among supporters, as rumors incessantly swirl about his comeback and the continuing power struggle between himself and Lyles. With all the buzz around these two athletic wonders, what can we expect in terms of the futures for Bolt, Lyles, and the track?