Just a day after the intense 10-day US Olympic trials concluded, Netflix released “SPRINT: The World’s Fastest Humans” on July 1st, 2024. With only 25 days left until the Paris Olympics, this six-episode docuseries spotlights track and field’s biggest names, including Noah Lyles, Sha’Carri Richardson, Elaine Thompson-Herah, Lamont Marcell Jacobs, Shericka Jackson, and more. The series follows their journey to claim the title of the world’s fastest humans.

The first episode, titled “HEIR TO THE THRONE,” kicks off with a powerful statement: “When people think about speed, they think the 100.” Fifteen seconds into the intro, Noah Lyles shares the cutthroat nature of the sport, especially in the 100m event. As viewers watch Lyles taking his position at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, his voiceover sets the tone: “When you are tip to tip on that line, it’s one thought… I gotta kill these guys.”

Shortly after, viewers see the women poised on their blocks. The scene then shifts to Sha’Carri Richardson breaking the 100-meter ribbon and surging past the finish line. And a voiceover adds, “Once the gun go off, we’re at war right now. Nothing else matters.” After catching glimpses of Sha’Carri Richardson and Noah Lyles blazing the track in 2024, Usain Bolt flashes back to his peak year in 2009, saying, “To win the 100 meters is no joke. You have to believe.”

Reflecting on Bolt’s words, it’s clear that as these icons pave their way to the Paris Olympics, the competition is heating up. The track and field stars, including the cream of the crop in the 100 meters, are locked in a neck-and-neck battle. Let’s see how Sha’Carri Richardson and Noah Lyles stack up against the rest.

How close are Sha’Carri Richardson and Noah Lyles to 100-meter dominance before the Paris Olympics?

In the first episode of SPRINT, “HEIR TO THE THRONE,” Noah Lyles confidently introduces himself: “I’m the third fastest human being ever to live. Soon to be the first.” Meanwhile, Sha’Carri Richardson brings her unique flair: “My name is Sha’Carri Richardson. I’m a Bentley. Fast, expensive.” While someone in her background adds, “Oh no, you’re faster than speed,” as she laughs. These two American stars dominated the 100 m at the US Olympic trials, but they both face challenges as they aim to fulfill their claims.

Noah Lyles, the reigning World Champion, faces a tough path to becoming the Fastest Man Alive and clinching Olympic gold in Paris. This year, he’s had stiff competition in the 100m, according to the World Athletics’ 2024 standings. Kishane Thompson from Jamaica set a blazing record of 9.77 seconds at the National Stadium in Kingston on June 28, 2024, during the Jamaican Olympic trials. Ferdinand Omanyala of Kenya followed with a swift 9.79 seconds at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium on June 15, 2024, during Kenya’s trials.

Then there’s Oblique Seville, also from Jamaica, who sprinted to 9.82 seconds at Kingston’s National Stadium on June 1, 2024, leaving Lyles trailing in 2nd place at the Racers Grand Prix. Currently, Noah Lyles holds the fourth spot among the top performers in the men’s 100 meters for 2024, clocking 9.83 seconds at Eugene’s Hayward Field during the US Olympic trials so it will be intriguing to see how he plans to execute his claim and not just win gold but surpass Usain Bolt’s 9.58 100m world record.

Meanwhile, the 100-meter world champion among women, Sha’Carri Richardson, has been proving her dominance in the event. She blazed to the year’s fastest time of 10.71 seconds at the US Olympic Trials on June 22, 2024, securing her spot at the Paris Olympics. Her closest rivals include Jacious Sears, who ran 10.77 seconds at Gainesville’s Percy Beard Track, though unfortunately, she won’t be competing in Paris due to injury.

Another formidable opponent is Julien Alfred from Saint Lucia, who clocked 10.78 seconds at the Racer Grand Prix on June 1, 2024, posing a significant challenge to Sha’Carri Richardson’s gold medal dream in Paris. Reflecting on their opening lines on SPRINT’s episode one and their 2024 season so far, can Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson bring home gold in the 100m at the Paris Olympics? Share in the comments below!