Toppling Usain Bolt from his throne is what continues to motivate track and field stars to this day, and Noah Lyles is no different. The reigning world champion has spent a lot of time in his quest for gold and believes he’s at his highest point right now. While the American will be flying to Paris with hopes of achieving immortality, the world’s fastest man has his reservations about seeing his records take the backseat any time soon.

Last month, Bolt sparked a lot of speculation after he confessed that Lyles has the potential to become one of the greatest sprinters of all time. However, it seems like the world record holder believes that the probability of Lyles surpassing him is just that, and might not bear fruit this time around.

Usain Bolt applauds Noah Lyles’ trump card

In a recent interview appearance for talkSPORT on YouTube, the eight-time Olympic gold medalist noted that he doesn’t consider any of the current runners from around the globe to be capable enough to match his records. “I haven’t seen the talent yet,” said Bolt, and hinted similar views about Noah as well. And yet, his admiration for the 26-year-old couldn’t be kept hidden. “…one thing I respect about him is his confidence and that’s what he has over most of these athletes,” said Usain without deliberation.

Usain went on to elaborate that it’s this belief in himself that allows Noah to exceed expectations all the time. Referring to how Lyles exerted his dominance at last year’s World Championships, Bolt said, “…when he won the World Championship he wasn’t supposed to win 100 m but the confidence that he has that he’s going to win,” is the kind of hidden ace in his sleeve that Noah can tap into as a reserve energy source.

“He’s like I’m going to beat you, I’m not worried,” Bolt mentioned, is the exact kind of mindset that keeps Noah’s opponents in fear. While Bolt seems to think Noah has a long way to go before calling himself in the same league as the former, Lyles seems to be determined that he will fly to Paris to take it all.

Not too shabby a prospect for Lyles!

Lyles isn’t one to shy away from competition. While he is yet to grab his maiden Olympic gold medal, Lyles is currently placed firmly in the second place of the global ranking list for men’s 100m race. He trails only Christian Coleman, who has also been handed defeat by Noah on previous occasions.

On the other hand, in the men’s 200m event, Lyles is the leader of the pack, and his recent performances at the Tom Jones Memorial, Bermuda Grand Prix, Racers Grand Prix, Bahamas Relays, and the Atlanta Games (150m) has only bolstered his claims for winning the coveted prize in Paris at the quadrennial tournament.

On top of that, Lyles has also claimed that he doesn’t have any competition in the 200m race right now. Moreover, his motivation to win four golds in all four events is another factor that he believes will firmly seal his status with the likes of Bolt. Only yesterday, Justin Gatlin, the 2004 Olympic gold medalist, also said that Noah can be dangerous when his critics discount him.

Referring to Lyles’ defeat at the hands of Oblique Seville at the Racers Grand Prix, Gatlin noted stated Noah will bounce back without a doubt, and his opponents better do their homework on how to keep him at bay. What do you think about Noah’s chances at the 2024 Paris Games? Share your predictions with us below!