The track and field world has been electrified since Noah Lyles boldly proclaimed, “We’re coming after everything. All the Olympic medals. I don’t care who wants it. It’s mine.” This year, the 27-year-old US Indoor Champion is on a mission not only to secure all the medals but also to mark his name in history as the fastest man alive by shattering Usain Bolt‘s 100m and 200m world records. Usain Bolt himself has given Lyles his blessing in this endeavor.
However, despite this, Asafa Powell, who twice held the 100-meter world record between June 2005 and May 2008, has voiced his prediction about the 100-meter record, deeming it unbreakable. Adding weight to Powell’s assertion, four Olympic gold medalists and veteran track stars from the USA have chimed in.
USA veteran backs up Asafa Powell’s prediction for Noah Lyles
Michael Johnson took to his platform to endorse Asafa Powell’s prediction that the 200-meter record would fall before the 100-meter record. He reiterated Powell’s statement on CITIUS MAG, adding his own forecast: “100% agree. 200 could be broken in the next few years. 100 gonna be a really long time!”
100% agree. 200 could be broken in the next few years. 100 gonna be a really long time! https://t.co/RoNBJN3iQo
Previously, Asafa Powell had expressed to CITIUS MAG, “The only record I see possibly someone going close to is maybe the 200m…I personally think Usain could have run faster in the 200m. In the 100m, that’s it. 9.58 is going to be there for a very, very, very long time.” Interestingly, this isn’t the first time such a prediction has been made; Usain Bolt himself has echoed similar sentiments!
Usain Bolt’s POV on his 100m record and green signal to Noah Lyles
In December 2023, Usain Bolt, the fastest sprinter ever, candidly shared his thoughts with World Athletics Inside Track, suggesting that his iconic 200-meter world record of 19.19 seconds might be eclipsed by his equally impressive 100-meter record of 9.58 seconds. He remarked, “It’s a lot more technical so I think maybe the 100m’s going to go last.” Noah Lyles has come tantalizingly close to Lightning Bolt’s pace. Lyles holds the American record for the men’s 200m with a time of 19.31 seconds, achieved on July 21, 2022. Additionally, he clocked a remarkable 9.83 seconds in the 100-meter dash at the 2023 World Championships.
Just weeks ago, Bolt sent a blazing message, expressing his admiration for Lyles’ ability: “The possibility is there because he came close at the World Championships, and I feel like if he corrects a few things – I won’t say – he could get better.” As the 2024 season unfolds, Noah Lyles has already begun to set the track alight with his blistering performances in indoor events, heightening anticipation for his outdoor endeavors. As speculation mounts, only time will reveal whether Lyles could surpass both records, but for now, the world’s fastest man stands ready to pass the baton to this prodigious talent.
Christaline Meyers is a senior Olympics writer at EssentiallySports who
specializes in gymnastics and alpine skiing. Christaline is one of the acclaimed
authorities in the coverage of 6x All-Around champion, Simone Biles. She has
written extensively, covering every detail of Biles’s life stories as well as
providing her perspective on Simone Biles’ Yurchenko Double Pike controversy.
