Usain Bolt, the legendary Jamaican sprinter widely regarded as the greatest of all time, has never been shy about expressing his love for competition. In a recent interview, the eight-time Olympic gold medalist and former world record holder in the 100m and 200m sprints opened up about a rare source of regret in his otherwise storied career: the sprinters he never got to face on the track.
“I’m very sad I didn’t get to race them,” Bolt admitted, speaking candidly about three elite athletes who, due to timing and circumstance, never had the chance to line up against him in a major event. Among the trio, one stands out not only for his blazing speed but for being the current holder of the men’s 100m world record—adding a particularly intriguing “what if” to Bolt’s reflections.
1. Christian Coleman
One of the fastest men in recent history, American sprinter Christian Coleman rose to prominence just as Bolt was stepping away from the sport. Known for his explosive starts and raw acceleration, Coleman won the 2019 World Championship in Doha with a time of 9.76 seconds in the 100m—just shy of Bolt’s world record of 9.58. Bolt praised Coleman’s technical ability, especially his dominance in the first 60 meters, an area where Bolt historically lagged before unleashing his unmatched top-end speed. “He’s a beast out of the blocks,” Bolt said. “It would have been a challenge to catch him.”
2. Noah Lyles
Another American star on Bolt’s list is Noah Lyles, the reigning world champion in the 200m and one of the sport’s most charismatic figures. Lyles has often drawn comparisons to Bolt due to his engaging personality, showmanship, and dominance over the half-lap distance. His personal best of 19.31 seconds ranks him third all-time, behind Bolt and Yohan Blake. “Noah has that energy, that spark,” Bolt said. “I love watching him run, and I wish we could have battled over 200 meters. That would’ve been something for the fans.”
3. Ferdinand Omanyala
In a surprising twist, Bolt also named Kenyan sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala—Africa’s fastest man and one of the most exciting talents in the 100m. Omanyala’s rapid rise and fearless racing style have made headlines, especially in a region not traditionally known for sprinting. “Ferdinand brings something different,” Bolt noted. “He’s got heart, and he runs with such purpose. I admire that. I would’ve loved to test myself against him.”
Bolt’s remarks come at a time when sprinting is experiencing a resurgence, with new stars emerging and records being threatened. Yet, despite his unparalleled accomplishments, the Jamaican icon remains a fan of the sport first, expressing genuine admiration for the next generation.
“I’ve raced the best of my time,” he concluded. “But I would have loved one or two more races—to feel that fire, that competition. It’s what drove me.”
As the sprinting world evolves, Bolt’s legacy as the gold standard remains intact. But his longing for missed rivalries reminds us that even legends have unfinished business.
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