Usain Bolt’s shadow (read record) looms large on the track and field. That seems to have become all the more prominent in this Olympic ambiance. First, Noah Lyles claimed to own Bolt’s records. Then his arch-rival Christian Coleman followed suit. Amid one more round of uproar regarding Coleman’s claim, more stars seem to be on the same page with him. World champion long jumper Tara Davis-Woodhall believes that Coleman’s predictions might be coming true soon, and there’s nothing that naysayers can do about it.

In her latest Instagram story, Davis-Woodhall extended her support to Coleman, taking a dig at those who sneer at the 2024 World Indoor Championships gold medalist’s words from yesterday. After Christian implied that the current generation of runners might have a good shot at breaking Bolt’s world records, critics came casting doubts on his claims. But Tara seems to be a firm believer in his speculations. Sharing Wanda Diamond League’s social media post, Davis-Woodhall made her views clear on the matter.

“go off Christian. i’s so tired of these couch potato a** haters“, jeered Davis-Woodhall’s IG story. As Tara makes her stand abundantly clear, it waits to be seen if the Paris Olympics really sets up the stage for a historic moment in men’s sprinting events, which sees the Jamaican icon give away his long-held top spot. But is it that easy?

Chase to topple Usain Bolt: How close do things stand?

Let us take a look at some statistics. As per records, Noah Lyles has reached a top speed of 22.76 mph in 100m sprints. Meanwhile, in the 2022 World Athletics Championships, Christian Coleman recorded 26.84mph over that distance. While Lyles still seems to be some distance away from the legend, Coleman looks more impressive here. Usain Bolt’s 2009 world record of 9.58 seconds in 100m saw him attaining a blazing speed of 27.33 mph. So what does the legend himself have to say?

“I think the 100m’s going to be harder (to break) because it’s quicker, and if you make a mistake during the race you’re not going to get it. It’s a lot more technical, so I think maybe the 100m’s going to go last,” Bolt had explained. However, he created quite a stir with his comment on Noah Lyles’ chances to break his record.

“I think the possibility is there because he came close at the (2022) World Championships. I think if he corrects a few things, I won’t say, he could get better. The possibility is there,” Bolt had said in an interview with the Citiusmag. One of those few things is undoubtedly Lyles’ start and he is going all out to improve that. Apart from the legend’s backing, Noah now has one more drive to chase Bolt’s records. Coleman also seems to be on that race with him. It remains to be what legendary moments it brings to the sprinting world.