Noah Lyles Reveals the True Reason Behind Usain Bolt’s Records: “What’s Left on the Table”

American sprinter Noah Lyles has always been motivated by an ambition to make an indelible mark on the track and field community. Lyles faced numerous obstacles as a youngster growing up, so his climb to the peak has been astounding. His fascination with Usain Bolt’s legacy extends beyond breaking records to include accomplishing something never done before.

Lyles talked candidly about his aspiration to capture four sprint gold medals at the forthcoming Olympics in Paris. This goal stems from his hunger to become the figure on his personal Mount Rushmore of track legends by accomplishing what no individual has achieved previously.

Lyles wants to do a concept extraordinary, which is why he wants to win four gold medals. “Why four?” he asks himself. “There have been multiple doubles, not a lot, but there have been plenty. I can grab three but Bolt has done that.” Lyles also noted his ability to mark 2x Olympics consecutively, but unfortunately, it’s already done by Bolt. “I can do two Olympics in a row, but Bolt has done that too,” Noah Lyles noted in an interview with The Times. The 26-year-old’s careful preparation and approach demonstrate his desire to stand out.

The sprinter proved his brilliance last year at the World Championships, winning gold in the 100, 200, and 4×100-meter relays. Though some teammates have criticized him, he now hopes to add the 4x400m relay to his list of successes. The goal of this contribution is to leave a lasting memory and increase his medal tally.

Usain Bolt is the only sprinter who took the 100- and 200-meter Olympic crowns in three successive Olympics (2008, 2012, and 2016). He has 8X gold medals from the Olympics. He also took home 2X gold medals for the 4 × 100 relay. His double sprint victories in world record timings at the 2008 Beijing Olympics made him famous worldwide.

Lyles is attempting to build a similar niche, thinking back to Bolt’s claim during the 2012 Olympics that he is a “living legend”. Recounting the record books, Lyles said, “So I really have to look. What’s left on the table that could put me on my Mount Rushmore, make people say, ‘Not only was he great, but he did something that hasn’t been done’?” Lyles is motivated by this mentality to go outside the box and step beyond usual track and field standards.

Noah Lyles’ thoughts on breaking Usain Bolt’s records

Lyles is attempting to win four gold medals, and one of his goals is to compete in the 4x400m relay, which he hasn’t competed in since going professional. He proved his talent in the event by assisting the United States in winning a silver medal at the World Athletics Indoor Championships. Fred Kerley, a fellow American runner, took issue with this decision, accusing the US Track and Field Association of showing favoritism. Lyles, however, is not blocked by the criticism. Although his rivals may not think well of him, he claims that everything was “planned.” The words “forget three, you need to go after four” from his friend struck a deep chord with him and strengthened his determination to pull off something remarkable.

Lyles is steadfast in his commitment to this objective. Taking home four gold medals would not only confirm his place in the annals of sprinting history, but it would also fulfill a desire of his to achieve a feat that has never been done before.“When you want to talk about being the greatest, that’s what you have to achieve. So, I announced that that is a goal of mine to complete; why not do it on the biggest stage, the Olympics?” he said.

Furthermore, Lyles’s main objective is to beat Usain Bolt’s world record of 19.19 seconds in the 200 meters. Lyles’s existing personal best is 19.31, which is the current American record and the third-fastest time ever. Lyles thinks he’s done his best work in the 200-meter, thus that’s his favorite event. “It’s the dream goal,” Noah Lyles remarked. “It’s the first world record that I kind of put up as ‘I want that to be mine.’” Reaching this milestone would, therefore, be a huge professional accomplishment and proof of his commitment. As Lyles wants to push the envelope of what is possible, do you think he will succeed? Let us know in the comments.