Noah Lyles and Other Track and Field Stars Get Fresh Threat After 22-Year-Old Claims 100M World Lead

The track and field has a fresh face emerging at the front. Noah Lyles‘ stellar 100m record of 9.83 seconds, achieved in 2023, established him as the “fastest man in the world” though it falls short of Usain Bolt‘s 9.58-second milestone set in 2009. While Bolt’s record remains the gold standard, Lyles’ records were open to challenge, with each new competitor adding fresh energy and excitement to the sport.

Despite Lyles’ season-best 9.96-second at this year’s USATF Bermuda Grand Prix, his record was swiftly surpassed by a 17-year-old high school sprinter. Christian Miller shattered Lyles’ 100-meter record this season and set a new best of 9.93 at the Pure Athletics Spring Invitational in Clermont, Florida last month.

But what if Miller’s record was also surpassed? Yes, it was, this time by a 22-year-old Liberty sprinter who ran this year’s fastest 100 meters in the world, as seen in an X video that recently surfaced. Are you curious to know about him? Travis Miller recently shared a video showing Omari Lewis sprinting to victory in the 100m race with a time of 9.88 seconds at USA tracks and field in the Kidd Field.

Notably, this time stands as the fastest globally this year, even considering the aiding wind of 5.1 meters per second, surpassing the allowable limit for record validation, which is 2.0 meters per second. Despite this, Lewis’ performance shows his raw speed and athletic prowess.

However, earlier when Christian Miller broke Lyles’ record in April, he was asked in one of the interviews how it felt to just be in high school and still be called the fastest man. Miller said, “I just feel like a great milestone that I’ve hit. Going from fastest high school then fastest U18 athlete, U20 athlete, and now the fastest in the world right now it’s just great and I’m just ready to come after more…” But destiny had other plans, he was surpassed by Omari Lewis.

Following the race, Lewis revealed that he is eyeing a potential spot to represent Trinidad and Tobago in the upcoming Paris Olympics. He emphasized the significance of pacing oneself in championship events. Looking ahead, Lewis expressed his primary ambition and said, “Qualifying for the Olympics is one of my foremost goals this year.” On his way, the budding sprinter has also made a stop at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest last year. Let us take a look at what he gained in that endeavor.

Running the 4×100 relay, Lewis took the first leg with a time of 11.00 seconds. Trinidad and Tobago placed sixth in their heat and 12th overall with a time of 38.89. Although it was nowhere close to impressive, the experience of rubbing shoulders with the athletes was invaluable, according to Lewis.

Lewis shared his experience, “Worlds provided a lot of motivation and hunger for me to try and make it back there and even further for the upcoming Olympics… Worlds was a precursor to the things I’ll have to do to get to where I am trying to go … Being at Worlds showed us where we are at, where we should be, and how far we need to carry it.” Indeed, his recent performances give a glimpse of that learning.

Omari Lewis on the way to carving a niche for him

Omari Lewis, a 5-foot-8 sprinter hailing from the town of Arouca, Trinidad and Tobago, is the son of Gregory and Lisa Lewis. He completed his education at St. Mary’s College before embarking on his collegiate journey at Liberty University. At Liberty, Lewis became a notable figure in the track and field, boasting an impressive NCAA record.

After winning the CUSA men’s 100 final, Lewis’ hard work was recognized by the community and he earned a 2023-24 Conference USA Winter Spirit of Service Award. Lewis also is an active member in the Flames’ track & field program on Liberty’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Apart from athletic activities he often indulges in activities like reading to elementary school kids to spread the love of literacy and has helped raise funds to add libraries to 35 classrooms in a local school.

In his junior year at Liberty, Lewis showed his talent by clinching victories such as the 2023 ASUN outdoor 100-meter and indoor 60-meter titles. Additionally, he earned three All-ASUN Honors, solidifying his status as one of the university’s top athletes. Moreover, in 2024, Lewis – before the recent race – won the 2024 Indoor 60 title. Lewis’s achievements extend beyond his collegiate career; before joining Liberty, he spent a year at the University of the West Indies, where he secured commendable placements at the Trinidad & Tobago Championships.

Meanwhile, Lewis achieved 10.33 in the 100 meters and 21.37 in the 200 meters during his time at the University of the West Indies. His stellar performances and dedication to his sport show his excellence in track and field. With such stellar performances, anticipation builds as Lewis gears up for the Paris Olympics 2024, where his participation is sure to be thrilling to watch and a threat to Noah Lyles.