EXCLUSIVE: Joseph Fahnbulleh highlights key differences between Noah Lyles and Usain Bolt

Liberian sprint sensation Joseph Fahnbulleh, fondly known as “Bullet”, has shed light on the key differences between his close friend Noah Lyles and sprinting legend Usain Bolt.

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It has been inevitable for fans and pundits alike to draw comparisons between the two sprinters, given their dominance in the sprinting world.

Bolt first announced himself to the world with his astonishing double sprint gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, breaking the then-world record in the 100m final with a 9.69-second run, famously easing up before the finish line.

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A year later, he stunned the world again in Berlin, taking 0.11 seconds off his own time to set the current world mark of 9.58 seconds.

This is the feat that no one has come close to replicating since. In fact, since 2012, no athlete has dipped below the 9.70-second mark.

At the Paris Olympics, Lyles clocked 9.79 seconds to win gold, a mind-blowing time, but still two-tenths slower than Bolt’s record.

Bolt revolutionised the sport with his electrifying performances and effortless showmanship, but Lyles has taken the baton into a new era, blending athletic excellence with bold self-expression and a strong digital presence.

In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, Fahnbulleh noted that the sport has evolved beyond just raw talent on the track

“People compare Usain Bolt to Noah Lyles in terms of charisma. Usain Bolt spoke with his time, good vibes, and being humble. That made the sport grow.

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And this day and age, when it comes to social media and the sport gaining more visibility and access, maybe the sport now needs someone like Noah to be out there, and wild. Noah has that.

Of course, we have other athletes, but when it comes to the social media aspect of gaining clicks and views, Noah is doing it, and it’s bringing press. Good press, bad press, it is still press,” Fahnbulleh disclosed.

Off the track, Fahnbulleh describes Lyles as a loving and genuine friend, a side that the public rarely gets to see.

He paints a picture of a man who values his inner circle, supports his friends' dreams, and remains grounded despite the spotlight.

“Noah is a wonderful guy. He is a person you can easily talk to. The media paints a different picture of him, but he has his awesome sides.

Off the track, Noah is a family guy, a wonderful guy, and a person who just loves to be around his friends. He always wants his friends to succeed.

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He works hard, trains hard, and what people do not understand, they try to put down. I can say he has his moments on track and off track.

We have seen him try to promote track and field through his podcast, through events, etc. All round all, he is a good guy. If you get to meet him and know his story, and take off what the media says, you will see he is a wonderful guy,” he disclosed.

He further credited him for instilling a relentless mindset in him.

“No matter what the day is or what you are feeling, you have to get out there and get it done. People are paying tickets to come see you run.

Maybe you do not feel like practicing every day, but it does not matter. The stadium is packed, and I have to put up a show. I ran in the best and the worst,” he averred.

Fahnbulleh was recently in Kenya for the Kip Keino Classic, where he won the 200m in 20.40 seconds. He finished ahead of Shaun Maswanganyi (20.47) and William Reais (20.72).