Not Just Usain Bolt, Noah Lyles Needs To Surpass Another Jamaican For His 200m World Record Dream

Noah Lyles has been among the greatest athletes of all time across the track and field world. With seven world championship medals already under his belt, Noah has never missed a chance to come under the limelight while displaying his electrifying speed on tracks. However, his achievements over the years have made him hungrier than ever before.

Now, Noah is aiming to overcome the records of the current world record holder at the 200m – Usain Bolt. While acknowledging the legend, Noah said, “He was the fastest man ever to do it,”. He added, “and soon, it’ll be me.“ with a grin. However, it is not just Usain but another Jamaican sprinter whose world records might pose a formidable threat to Noah Lyles’ starry dreams.

A furtive contender might just give Noah Lyles a run for his money, literally and figuratively

As per the updated 200m Men’s World Records on World Athletics.com, Usain Bolt stands atop the podium with a 19:19 mark achieved way back in 2009 at the Olympiastadion, Berlin, Germany. Interestingly, Yohan Blake, with 19:26 clocked at Boudewijnstadion, Bruxelles back in 2011, features above Noah and below Usain Bolt on the list, in a potent legacy sandwich of sorts.

Since Usain Bolt’s retirement, the track and field world has been looking for a Jamaican successor who will take over his throne. After two years, Yohan Blake emerged as a beacon of hope and became the name touted by spectators to be the figurehead. However, Yohan failed to break Usain’s record and settled in second place.

Once again, another name is touted for the American sprinting phenom, Noah Lyles. Being a six-time World Champion, Noah Lyles is at the zenith of his sprinting career. However, the American legend’s thirst is far from quenching as he aims to break the world champion, Usain Bolt’s 200m world record, and will leave no stone unturned in setting the record straight by even usurping Yohan Blake’s spot as well. But, it is not as easy as it may seem to be.

Noah Lyles vs. Yohan Blake: 2024 Paris Olympics – survival of the fittest

The 26-year-old has an impressive list of accolades, including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics 200m Bronze medal. But last year’s three world medals ignited the American Sprinter and laid out incredible plans for his career. Now, Lyles is vying for four golds at 100m, 200m, 4x 100 and 4x 200m races at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics in swift succession, something Usain Bolt was not able to accomplish during his illustrious sports career.

Also Read: Didn’t Change”: Noah Lyles Spills Verdict on 60M Race Against Rival Christian Coleman

But Noah will clash with another speeding legend on tracks. Yohan, aka two-time Olympic champion and two-time World Champion, is also vying for the same medal streak in Paris as Noah. This year, Yohan is expected to be in his full form as it will be his swansong Olympic performance this year. On the other hand, Noah has been displaying his full potential throughout the championships till now. Consequently, he is most likely to break Usain’s world records either at the Olympics or further along down the road. However, where it will happen is something unpredictable.

Read More: “Waiting for That”: Noah Lyles Speaks About How His Coach’s Faith Helped His Career