Usain Bolt’s 100-metre world record of 9.58 seconds has stood untouched since the Jamaican icon set it at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin. For more than a decade and a half, it has remained one of the most daunting marks in world sport — a symbol of Bolt’s unmatched dominance at the height of his powers. Yet, contrary to what many might expect, the fastest man in history has made it clear he does not want the record to last forever.
Bolt has repeatedly said that records are meant to be broken and that he would welcome the moment when a new sprinter finally eclipses his iconic time. Rather than viewing it as a threat to his legacy, Bolt sees it as proof that the sport continues to evolve. For him, athletics thrives on progress, rivalries and the pursuit of the seemingly impossible — the same mindset that fueled his own remarkable career.
In discussing who could eventually break the record, Bolt has pointed to a modern sprinter he believes has the “perfect” blend of talent, mentality and star power to take the event to another level. That athlete, in Bolt’s view, is American star Noah Lyles. While Lyles is best known as a dominant force in the 200 metres, Bolt has highlighted his confidence, charisma and fearless racing style as qualities that could translate into something special in the 100m.
Bolt has often stressed that breaking 9.58 will take more than raw speed. It will require supreme self-belief, technical excellence, and the ability to rise in the biggest moments. Lyles, a multiple world champion, has never shied away from the spotlight, embracing pressure and expectation in a way that mirrors Bolt’s own approach during his prime years. That mentality, according to Bolt, is just as important as physical ability.
At the same time, Bolt acknowledges how extraordinarily difficult the task remains. The margins in elite sprinting are now incredibly fine, with improvements measured in hundredths of a second. Training methods, sports science and track technology have all advanced since 2009, but so too has the level of competition. Any athlete attempting to break the record must deliver a near-perfect race, under ideal conditions, on the biggest stage.
Bolt’s openness about wanting his record broken reflects his confidence in what he achieved. His legacy is not defined by a single number on a stopwatch, but by an era of dominance that included eight Olympic gold medals, multiple world titles and a global impact that transcended athletics. Even if the 9.58 mark were to fall, Bolt’s place in sporting history would remain secure.
For fans, Bolt’s comments add intrigue to an event that already carries enormous weight. Every new generation of sprinters is now measured against his standard, chasing a time that once seemed almost beyond human limits. Whether it is Lyles or another rising star who eventually gets close, Bolt will be watching with interest — and perhaps even a smile.
In the end, Bolt’s message is clear: greatness should inspire more greatness. If someone one day runs faster than 9.58, it will not diminish what he did. Instead, it will confirm that sprinting continues to move forward, just as he once pushed it into uncharted territory.
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