Can Noah Lyles Break Usain Bolt’s 100m Record at Paris Olympics? Where Does He Stand Against Kishane Thompson?

Track and field has always presented us with a plethora of intense rivalries. But nothing can beat watching Usain Bolt and Justin Gatlin battle it out on the track. As fierce as that was, the USA vs. Jamaica rivalry will now come alive yet again at the Stade de France. Noah Lyles already has an Olympic medal to his name, albeit in the 200m dash. But he is looking to shatter the legendary sprinter’s colossal record of 9.58 seconds in the French capital. While many might say it’s an ambitious goal, he’s confident he can do it. However, it won’t be as easy for the American.

Enter the current world lead, Kishane Thompson. Even though the Jamaican is very injury-prone, he has shown great promise at the Jamaican Olympic Trials and the 100m semi-finals 3 at the Olympics. While the 23-year-old smoked his competitors, crossing the finish line in 9.80 seconds, Lyles made his presence known by trailing behind Thompson’s compatriot in 9.83 seconds. While both are in the top 3 of the World Athletics’ senior men 2024 list, will Lyles do what he’s set his mind to?

Usain Bolt’s name continues to remain synonymous with the sport, long after he hung up his running shoes for good. The Jamaican isn’t just known for his speed, but for the legacy he has left behind. Lyles is looking to achieve the same thing. He doesn’t just want to win races; he wants to leave an indelible mark on the sport. His rise to the top has been nothing short of extraordinary, but he feels like he has so much more to give. “He was the fastest man ever to do it, and soon, it’ll be me,” the reigning 100m world champion has unabashedly let the world know what’s on his mind.

However, how far away is he from Usain Bolt’s records? At the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Lyles claimed an easy win in 19.31 seconds, a time that still stands as the U.S. men’s record in the 200m. At the historic Hayward Field in June, the American blazed past his competitors in 9.83 seconds in the 100m event. With this, he successfully claimed a spot in his second Olympic berth. He put up the same time at the 100m semi-finals on the now iconic purple tracks of the Stade de France. While it isn’t any closer to the Jamaican’s record, one thing will keep him from reaching his mark.

Noah Lyles locks heads with Kishane Thompson at Stade de France

Who will emerge victorious in the French capital? Noah Lyles or Kishane Thompson? While the boisterous American sprinter has set his sights on the record, he has only managed to consistently run his personal best of 9.83 seconds in his pursuit of the French capital. But Thompson blew people away by clocking in 9.77 seconds at the Jamaican Olympic Trials. Even though he currently holds the title of world lead, he blazed past his competitors in 9.80 seconds amidst a raucous cheer from the crowds. It all came down to the finals on August 4. Will Lyles be able to talk the talk? Or will Thompson walk away victorious?

As the American settled in lane 7, Thompson warmed up in lane 4. There’s a somber atmosphere in the stands. Everyone’s watching with bated breath. The sound of the gun pierces through, and off the men go! The Jamaican started strong, his eyes set on the finish line. But just when everyone thought he might have gotten it in the bag, Lyles surges past his competitors. In what will be considered an iconic photo finish, the two cross the finish line in 9.79 seconds. The 27-year-old may not have broken Usain Bolt’s 100m world record, but with his new personal best, he has inched closer to it. What were your favorite moments from the race? Let us know in the comments!