Fresh Challenge for Noah Lyles in 100m As ‘Hungriest Sprinter’ Rises From the Track and Field Community

In 2023, Noah Lyles made history by becoming the first man since Usain Bolt in 2015 to complete the sprint treble at a World Championship, securing gold in the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 4×100 meters relay. In 2024, Lyles ambitiously aimed for a ‘sprint quadruple.’ However, as the days wind down toward the Paris Olympics, his competition grows stronger and more determined.

Top competitors like Fred Kerley, Christian Coleman, Ackeem Blake, Ferdinand Omanyala, and others are all vying for glory, making the run for gold highly competitive. Amidst this global contention, another strong contender emerges from American soil making a determined comeback for Paris Olympic gold in the 100 meters.

A veteran contender emerges for Noah Lyles ahead of Paris 2024

In a post on X, Katelyn Hutchison, the three-time NCAA All-American, shared a sneak peek from the “Out of the Blocks” podcast, which she co-hosts with World Championship silver medalist Jasmine Todd. The caption of Katelyn’s post read, “Before you make your Paris predictions, don’t count out Ronnie Baker.” 

Baker, who finished just shy of an Olympic medal with a fifth-place finish in the 100m final at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, ran his personal best of 9.83 seconds in the semifinals. Despite struggling with injuries, he is on a determined comeback trail, aiming to secure a spot on his second Olympic team.

In the podcast, Baker made his intentions clear, directly addressing his competition, including Noah Lyles and Fred Kerley. Baker candidly admitted that there have been moments when he felt his career might be over, particularly due to injuries or setbacks. However, he revealed, “Deep, deep down inside, I want a gold medal at the Olympics or World Championships so bad.”

Hutchison also highlighted Baker’s reflections on his journey, opening up about how he has found purpose through his hardships and resilience. Ronnie Baker shared, “I’m the hungriest sprinter… For me, it’s the will and determination I have to get a medal.” As we reflect on his words, let’s examine his 2024 season so far.

How has the 2024 Olympic year been so far for Ronnie Baker?

Back in November 2023, Ronnie Baker took to Instagram to share “October Recap!” and revealed how he “had a baby girl, moved across the country (to Kentucky), sold my first home, entered the best decade of my life (’30s), got my first tattoo, started training for Paris 2024.” Fast forward to 2024, and Ronnie Baker is on fire for an Olympic medal.

He kicked off his indoor campaign at the UK Rod McCravy Memorial in Louisville, dominating his heat and semi-final with times of 6.60 and 6.65 seconds, respectively. Baker continued his impressive performance at the Corky Classic in Lubbock, winning his heat in 6.62 seconds and securing second place in the final in 6.64 seconds.

Moving on to the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston, he maintained his consistency, clinching third place in the final, clocking a time of 6.54 seconds. His standout moment came at the USA Indoor Championships in Albuquerque, where he secured a season-best time of 6.51 seconds in the final. In the outdoor 100 meters, he faced tough competition at the Miramar Invitational, finishing fourth in both his heat and final with times of 10.47 and 10.44 seconds, respectively.

At the Tom Jones Memorial in Gainesville, he improved to 10.25 seconds, once again finishing fourth. Although he faced stiff competition at the Wanda Diamond League in Xiamen, he finished sixth with a time of 10.33 seconds. Baker’s recent performance on May 11, 2024, at the Jamaica Athletics Invitational was impressive, as he clocked a season-best of 10.20 seconds, finishing fifth.

He also ran the 200 meters at the Tom Jones Memorial, finishing third with a time of 20.76 seconds. As the Olympic Trials approach and Paris draws nearer, Baker, “The Hungriest Sprinter,” is determined to mark his spot on what could be his second Olympic team, with tough competition from the likes of Noah Lyles, Fred Kerley, and Christian Coleman. Will he be able to secure a ticket to Paris? Comment below!