After Breaking Usain Bolt?s Record, Noah Lyles Gears Up for Another Grand Challenge

The biggest news in America is here for the male athletes, especially for the track and field star Noah Lyles. The 2023 athletic season has been nothing short of magical for the prodigal sprinter. From winning three golds at the 2023 World Championships to gracing the tracks of Oregon, the record holder has lived this year. In addition, another update took him by surprise this time.

The World Athlete of the Year has announced its top 5 nominees. Interestingly, Lyles is also a part of the amazing men who’re looking forward to get awarded this year. Talking of track and field, the GOAT Usain Bolt had earned this award, which makes him the first ever athlete to achieve such a height. But this time, the nominees look convincing as well, posing a great competition to the Brazilian athlete.

Noah Lyles’ fellow track and field athletes secures nomination

Ryan Crouser, Neeraj Chopra, Mondo Duplantis, Kevin Kiptum Cheruiyot and Noah Lyles are the five finalists of this year. In a recent Instagram post, World Athletics has shared this worth-the-wait update with a victory photo collage. Captioned the post as “World Athlete of the Year finalists. @rcrouser ?? @neeraj____chopra ?? @mondo_duplantis ?? @kelvinkiptumcheruiyot ?? @nojo18 ?? #AthleticsAwards,” it featured all five athletes standing with their flags wrapped around in pride.

When Lyles swept the 100m, 200m and 4X100m golds, his shot put mate Ryan Crouser made his individual mark. The US shot put breaks record in the 2023 season, as he becomes the sole athlete in history to throw as far as 23.50. The next man to turn heads in 2023 was Indian Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra. The 25-year-old track and field athlete had a remarkable 2023 season. In the same World Championships as Lyles, he secured his first WC gold for his country in addition to the Asian Games gold.

Next up, Mondo Duplantis. Early in February 2023, the 24-year-old pole vaulter became the first man to score 6m or higher in 60 attempts. That made him a one-of-a-kind athlete with two record breaks this year. Following Duplantis, the long-distance runner of Kenya, Kevin Kiptum Cheruiyot, had secured a position in top 5 too. On October 2023, Kiptum gave his record breaking performance by clocking 2 hrs 35 secs, winning by 34s.

As more information surface, it’s just a matter of time. Usain Bolt held the record of breaking 20s barrier in 200m, but Lyles smoothly smashed it at the 2023 World Championships. Having said that, a star woman needs special mention here.

Flo-Jo’s record-breaking 1988 season

World Athlete of the Year award started in 1988, the year which witnessed Florence Griffith Joyner in all her glory. During the Olympic trials, the late athlete broke the world record with a phenomenal 10.49s time. In the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics, she further went on to break the 200m world record. Not in a mood to stop, she clinched two more golds in 100m and 4x100m relay that year.

Sporting long bright nails and gold bracelets on both wrists, she became a household name. However, as more athletes like Elaine Thompson-Herah stepped foot in the athletic realm, Flo-Jo’s 100m record got smashed. Having said that, the women’s finalists feature Shericka Jackson as the world 200m champion in 2023.

READ MORE: Swiss Brand Invites Noah Lyles to Share Special Stage With Olympic Stars for Undisclosed?Event

In 2022, track and field legend Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone won the World Athlete of the Year, sharing the podium with Duplantis. As the final day nears, the fans hope for the best man and woman to take the win home.

Watch this story: ?After Flaunting World Championship Medals, Noah Lyles Gets Back to Hustle Again Ahead of Prefontaine Diamond League