“Let [Noah] Lyles Speak”: Stern Letsile Tebogo Backs Out From Usain Bolt’s World Record Conversations

The World Athletics Relay Championships in the Bahamas were charged with tension, as teams vied for coveted Olympic berths. Among the victors securing a place in the Paris Olympics was Team Botswana, propelled by Letsile Tebogo’s stellar performance. The 20-year-old dazzled spectators with his lightning-fast sprint, clocking an impressive 43.49 seconds in his sector. Yet, it seems that unlike many of his rivals, including Noah Lyles, he wants to stay away from the conversation going around Usain Bolt’s world record for quite some time.

When Tebogo was interviewed after the race and asked about whether he felt the world record was a topic of discussion, particularly as other athletes like Noah Lyles and Christian Coleman seemed to be aiming to break it, he chose to address it in a unique manner. His response diverged from the approach taken by other athletes, who appeared to be specifically targeting Usain Bolt’s world record.

Usain Bolt’s legendary 100-meter record of 9.58 seconds, standing strong for 15 years, appears to be within reach, but not for Tebogo. When questioned about breaking it, Tebogo expressed hesitance, stating, “Take me out. I don’t want that pressure on myself….Let Lyles speak about that…I’m not part of that team.” Understandably, he hinted at what Noah Lyles had claimed a few days back to shake the world.

Noah Lyles’ determination remains unwavering as he proclaimed, “The title of the fastest man in the world, the title of the 100m champion, running the world-leading time… That is the one I have been reaching for.” Regrettably, Lyles fell significantly short of his goal this year. Competing in the Bermuda Grand Prix, he secured the pole position in the men’s 100m, yet his time clocked in at a respectable 9.96 seconds, still quite far away from Bolt.

Despite his efforts, fans took to trolling him after his shortfall. Comments like “Neither Lyles nor Coleman has surpassed that time as well”, “Has any runner run under 9.90 yet this year? Why is everybody so slow? I feel like it’s going to be the worst 100m Olympic”, were widespread on social media. Notably, Christian Coleman furthered the discussion started by Lyles.

Can Christian Coleman topple Usain Bolt’s record?

American sprinter Christian Coleman, fresh off his victory in the men’s 100m final at the Xiamen Diamond League last month, eyed Usain Bolt’s longstanding record of 9.58. Coleman expressed confidence that this remarkable feat is within grasp, citing the current pool of elite athletes who possess the speed and skill to challenge it. “It seems like the times being run, 9.58 is obviously an extraordinary time but honestly I feel like it’s a lot of guys who are competing today who are not that far off, if the track gods see fit for it to happen.”

He emphasized the significance of ideal conditions and precise execution, acknowledging that under the right circumstances, such “magical moments” in track history can unfold. While Coleman remains focused on continual improvement, he believes that, with dedication and persistence, achieving such milestones is plausible. As Coleman, Noah, and other athletes gear up to compete in Paris, their dedication to continuous growth and refinement underscores the relentless pursuit of sprinting, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown on the track. Yet, questions linger regarding whether they can break Usain Bolt’s record.