Despite Noah Lyles Openly Aiming for Usain Bolt’s Record, This Jamaican Legend Claims It’s Going To Stay There for a ‘Very, Very, Very Long Time’

Noah Lyles has always been vocal about breaking Usain Bolt’s dynamic record. But the tussle is in the headlines of track and field lately with Bolt himself chiming in. Aiming to go beyond the 8x Olympic gold medalist’s record in the coming Paris Olympics, Noah Lyles is confident enough to shatter the 2009 world record of 19.19 seconds in the 200m competitive run.

The status of Noah Lyles’ 9.83 seconds in the 100m is remarkable. However, it still is way behind Usain Bolt’s 9.58 seconds, which sustains the top benchmark till today. While there are only a few months left for the 2024 Paris Olympics to begin, another Jamaican legend has put forward his views on the ongoing hot topic.

Juxtaposing Noah Lyles with the GOAT of track and field

A former Olympic and World Champion Asafa Powell was recently interviewed by Citius Mag. On being asked about the athletes this season attempting to break the world record set by Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell showered his mindful opinion on who has the potential to grab the opportunity this time. And from his words, it was evident that Powell has high regard for Bolt’s record.

Asafa Powell thus stated, “The only record I see, possibly, somebody going close to maybe the 200m, personally because you can run faster in the 200m and the 100m I think, 9.58 you know…it’s going to be there for a very very very very very long time.” Interestingly, Bolt had previously stated almost the same as that of Powell regarding breaking his records.

The nods from the legends

Last year, Olympics.com asked Usain Bolt, which of his records (100m or 200m) is going to fall earlier. The legendary sprinter first voiced his indifference to the topic. But soon came back to the point. “I think the 100m’s going to be harder (to break) because it’s quicker, and if you make a mistake during the race you’re not going to get it. It’s a lot more technical so I think maybe the 100m’s going to go last,” Bolt has stated. But Noah’s chances can not be denied, for sure. Both Powel and Bolt are on the same page regarding that.

Read More: Usain Bolt’s “Possibility” Comment Sparks Fans’ Hope in Noah Lyles To Beat the World Record

Appreciating the talent that Noah Lyles has, Asafa Powell said in the latest interview,

“I think he has a right mindset, has the right work.. you it’s just the right timing and condition.” Complementing his thoughts, Noah Lyles also got support from Usain Bolt himself a few days back. “…the possibility is there,” claimed the fastest man in history. To top it off, who does not know that Noah has roared to come “after everything” this season? Therefore, some fireworks are surely in store in the coming days.

Read More: Usain Bolt Gives Noah Lyles a Green Signal To Break His World Record but Denies Any Help: “I Won’t Tell You”