Noah Lyles reigns supreme in the track and field world. After clinching two world titles at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, his name has become synonymous with track excellence. The Diamond League final was a perfect opportunity for him to round off the exceptional season with a victory, but he faced a harsh challenge from fellow American track and field athlete Christian Coleman. The rumored boyfriend of Sha’Carri Richardson humbled Lyles by matching his season-best time.

Noah Lyles finished the 100-meter race in the 2023 World Championships within 9.83 seconds. It was a huge reality check for the track superstar who still exuded confidence, saying, “Now I got me second fastest of the year, so it shows I still have been in my peak condition”. Lyles bore his chagrin well, considering it was an American that matched his time. But the fastest man in the world has set the bar high, and many athletes from rival countries are vying to topple him.

British track and field Zharnel Hughes reaches for Noah Lyles’ record

Zharnel Hughes loves speed, whether it is on land or in the air. As a qualified pilot, the 28-year-old Anguilla-born athlete often engages in a fun session of a flight simulator. When he is on land, Hughes blazes down the tracks at record-breaking speed. Rori Dunk, a popular blogger on social media, reported on his challenge to Noah Lyles’ record time in a post on X that read, “The 5 fastest men’s 100m races this year! 9.83 Zharnel Hughes”. However, when Hughes created the world lead in the 100-meter event at the New York City Grand Prix on June 24, Noah Lyles had not yet competed in the World Championships. Still, Zharnel Hughes had the number “9.83 on my mind,” but it was not linked to the American track and field legend.

Zharnel Hughes had a lofty challenge before him at the Grand Prix. He needed to post 9.83 seconds in order to break the 30-year-old British record. The last record holder was Linford Christie, who left an indelible mark on the sport. After the race ended and Hughes saw that he was true to his promise, he described it as a surreal moment. The 9.83 mark had become the time to match this season, and Zharnel Hughes was not the only one to have done so.

Christian Coleman and Ferdinand Omanyala make world lead time

When Kenyan sprinting legend Ferdinand Omanyala posted the 9.84s in the Kip Keino Classic in May, it became the world lead time. Until Zharnel Hughes improved the lead in June, Omanyala was the fastest runner of the season. He said, “I’m happy that I got a very good race …because it’s a world lead”. His performance is still counted as the fifth-fastest race of the season.

Read More: Noah Lyles Accepts Defeat on American Soil After Cristian Coleman Creates 9.83 Storm to Clinch Gold at Diamond League 2023 Finals

Christian Coleman occupies the remaining two fastest race records. The former world champion posted 9.83 seconds twice this season to match Noah Lyles’ best time. The first time was during the Xiamen Diamond League at the Egret Stadium on September 2. Thereafter, he achieved the feat again, winning the Pre-Classic against Noah Lyles. These stellar performances are a reminder of the remarkable 2023 season.

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