Usain Bolt, the legendary Jamaican sprinter and holder of the men’s 100m world record (9.58 seconds), has once again stirred conversation in the track and field world with his latest remarks. In a recent interview, Bolt was asked who he believed had the potential to break his long-standing 100m record—a feat that has stood unchallenged since 2009. To the surprise of many, he bypassed some of the sport’s most electrifying talents, including Australia’s rising star Gout Gout and reigning world champion Noah Lyles.
While Gout Gout has been gaining international attention for his explosive performances at the junior level, and Noah Lyles has cemented his place among the world’s fastest with his dominance in both the 100m and 200m, Bolt opted for a different choice entirely. He named Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, a young sprinter known for his impressive rise and composure under pressure, as the man he believes could one day eclipse the 9.58-second mark.
This snub of Gout Gout and Lyles caught fans and analysts off guard. Gout Gout, just 17, recently ran a blistering 10.15s in the 100m and is widely considered the next big thing in sprinting. His natural speed and technical refinement at such a young age have drawn comparisons to a young Bolt himself. Similarly, Noah Lyles has been a dominant figure on the global stage, winning the 100m and 200m gold at the World Athletics Championships and expressing clear intent to chase Bolt’s world records.
Yet Bolt remains unconvinced. According to the sprint icon, raw speed alone isn’t enough to break the world record. “It’s about timing, consistency, and mindset,” Bolt explained. “When I look at Tebogo, I see the calmness and fearlessness I had when I was coming up. He’s not intimidated by the big stage, and he’s getting faster with every race.”
Bolt’s comments appear to highlight his belief in mental fortitude and race maturity as decisive factors. While Lyles has the titles and charisma, and Gout Gout possesses thrilling potential, Bolt seems to favor Tebogo’s overall package—youth, composure, and speed progression—as the ideal formula.
Notably, Tebogo already made history at the 2022 World Junior Championships by running 9.91 seconds, breaking the junior world record while showboating in the final meters. His ability to clock such a time with room to spare raised eyebrows globally and might be what caught Bolt’s attention most. With continued development and a stronger finish, Tebogo could indeed pose a real threat to Bolt’s legendary mark.
Though Bolt’s prediction is bold, it reflects his keen eye for talent and deep understanding of the sport’s demands. Still, it leaves a lingering challenge for Gout Gout and Noah Lyles, who may feel doubly motivated to prove they are just as capable of rewriting the record books.
For now, Bolt’s world record remains untouched. But with the next generation of sprinters pushing boundaries, and with Tebogo now under the spotlight thanks to Bolt’s endorsement, the race to 9.57—or even faster
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