Noah Lyles vs Usain Bolt: Who Is the Tallest Sprinter in the World?

In the realm of competitive sprinting, the names of A-grade athletes Usain Bolt and Noah Lyles are highly regarded. The rising athletic superstar, Noah Lyles, has shown exceptional proficiency in track and field, as he aims to surpass Usain Bolt’s records. As the World Athletics Indoor Championships 2024 is lined up for Lyles, he intends to set new records.

Besides techniques, the athletic build and height also play an elemental role in defining sprinting strides. So, who among Bolt and Lyles is taller? And, what are his stats when considered against Bolt? Let’s do a complete breakdown of who has an advantageous edge in terms of physical stature?

Is Noah Lyles taller than the Track and Field legend Usain Bolt?

American sprinting superstar Noah Lyles stands at 5 feet 11 inches tall. However, the Jamaican sprinting legend, Usain Bolt, towers over him at 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 meters). A distinctive edge like this has given somewhat of a better footing and standing for Bolt compared to Lyles.

The 26-year-old icon, Lyles, believes that “height does not really matter in track as long as you produce speed and carry it correctly.” Lyles also acknowledges that height facilitates longer strides, but it doesn’t necessarily help generate speed at the start of the race. He takes the example of Bolt to emphasize how his start was the most impressive aspect, which was the result of his height. He attributes the capabilities to “his top and speed.” Hence, Lyles has analytically quashed the claims that height is all that matters in sprinting, as he focuses on how strategies are important in building momentum.

Noah Lyles versus Usain Bolt: Who is faster?

Noah Lyles has multiple accolades to his name. These include an Olympic bronze medal, 6 world titles, and 4 trophies in Diamond League Final. It was at the Budapest 2023 World Championships, where he accelerated to secure a renowned feat. He gathered gold in various categories, i.e., 100m, 200m, and the 4x100m relay. This was exceptionally reminiscent of Usain Bolt’s winning spree in 2015.

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Lyles has expressed his desire to break Usain Bolt’s records in the 100m and 200m events. He wants to top Bolt’s record of 19.19 in the 200m category. Unofficially, however, Lyles has beaten Bolt’s record to complete the most 200-meter races in under 20 seconds. For a brief period, he also broke Bolt’s 200m world record at the 2020 Inspiration Games. However, it was later claimed that he ran a “shorter distance”.

Now, Lyles is also ambitious regarding Paris 2024 as he seeks to secure 4 gold medals, while also excelling in the 4x400m relay to add to his repertoire.

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