Noah Lyles has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind, and this week, the reigning 200m world champion and newly crowned 100m global king had plenty to say after track and field legend Usain Bolt appeared to downplay his achievements. In a recent interview, Bolt suggested that while Lyles is a great competitor, he is “not as talented” as the Jamaican sprint icon himself. The comment quickly spread across social media, sparking debates among fans and pundits alike — and it didn’t take long for Lyles to fire back.
Speaking to reporters after a training session in Tokyo, where he is preparing for the upcoming Diamond League final, Lyles responded with a calm but pointed message. “I’ve always respected Usain and what he’s done for the sport,” Lyles said. “He raised the bar for sprinters all over the world. But to say I’m not as talented? I think the times, the medals, and the competition I’ve faced speak for themselves.”
Lyles, who clocked a blistering 19.31s to win the 200m at the 2022 World Championships — the third-fastest time in history — has steadily built his legacy as one of the most dominant sprinters of his generation. In 2025, he added the 100m world title to his résumé, joining a select group of athletes to have completed the sprint double at a global championship. “Talent is one thing,” Lyles added. “But what about hard work? What about consistency? You can’t just measure greatness by raw ability — you have to look at who shows up, who delivers, and who keeps pushing the sport forward.”
Bolt’s comments seemed to suggest that while Lyles is a strong competitor, he lacks the natural gift that made the Jamaican a once-in-a-generation phenomenon. The eight-time Olympic gold medalist dominated sprinting from 2008 to 2016, shattering world records that still stand today — 9.58s in the 100m and 19.19s in the 200m. Lyles, however, has taken a different approach to greatness, often using his platform to advocate for athlete mental health and to inspire the next generation of sprinters.
Fans have been quick to weigh in, with some siding with Bolt and others defending Lyles’ right to challenge the narrative. Track commentator Ato Boldon offered a measured take on the exchange, saying, “Both men are right in their own way. Bolt was blessed with unprecedented natural ability, but what Lyles has done to bring American sprinting back to the forefront is equally impressive.”
Lyles concluded his remarks with a note of respect but also confidence. “I’m not here to be the next Usain Bolt — I’m Noah Lyles. My goal is to make history in my own way, break records, win medals, and inspire people. If that’s not talent, I don’t know what is.”
As the rivalry between past and present continues to capture the attention of fans, one thing is clear: Noah Lyles is determined to prove that his place among the all-time greats isn’t up for debate. Whether or not he ever eclipses Bolt’s records, the American star is running his own race — and right now, the world is watching.
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