“Why Would I Help”: Usain Bolt’s Unwillingness Toward Noah Lyles Explained by His Rival

Noah Lyles has been winning laurels from his track and field endeavors for several seasons. A consistently staggering form has motivated him to think beyond just medals and trophies. So, as the Paris Olympics year kicked off, the only thing he could aim for was to cement his position in the track and field record fables. But to etch his name forever could only be possible after toppling Usain Bolt from there. 

Defying those 100m and 200m records will need a daunting effort with fair tips and suggestions from the maestro himself. However, the maestro, Bolt, is not ready to disseminate tips to Noah Lyles. The reason for such a debacle is still in the dark. However, recently, the Lightning Bolt’s most feared nemesis has tried to inspect the reason for such nonchalance. 

In a recent conversation on Ready Set Go, Justin Gatlin delved into the comments made by Usain Bolt a few days back. Previously, when asked about Noah’s chance of breaking his records, Usain Bolt retorted, “I won’t tell you how to break the world record.” So, defending this reply, Gatlin said, “I don’t think Usain gonna give up the knowledge for someone to come break his records. I’m gonna help you be great, but why would I help you be greater than me? I don’t think that’s gonna fly.” 

However, at the same time, the former Olympic champion showered a heap of praise on his former Jamaican rival for having a stunning character. “I think Bolt’s a great guy. He’s actually a kind individual, especially when it comes to helping the next generation of superstars in the sport. Right? He talks to them, he drops knowledge on them,” he claimed of Bolt.

In that sense, Usain Bolt’s relentless help provided to Wayde Van Niekerk stands out. But Gatlin argued about WVN’s territory of 400m. That category does not hold any connection to Usain Bolt’s mastery tracks. But Noah Lyles’s 100m and 200m do. So, according to the four-time world champion, there’s a nonchalance from Bolt toward Noah. However, that may not affect the three-peater as he already earned something from the numero uno. 

Noah Lyles has vigorous support 

Despite avoiding giving tips, Usain Bolt did not belittle Noah Lyles’s possibility of overcoming his records. In a nodding tone, the fastest man on the earth added, “…the possibility is there”. However, the world record-holder talked about the longevity of his 100m world record. Later, several spearheads voted for the same. 

Among those spearheads, Michael Johnson and Asafa Powell hold the top spot. According to the duo, Bolt’s 200m world record might not stay unscratched for long. “The only record I see possibly someone going close to is maybe the 200m…In the 100m, that’s it. 9.58 is going to be there for a very, very, very long time,” Asafa claimed, and Johnson agreed. So, considering this, there’s a chance Noah Lyles could break the 200m world record. However, the rest could possibly be a little out of reach. 

Read more: “Cleaning Out Airducts”: Noah Lyles Opens Up on Life Before Illustrious Track and Field Career