Why Usain Bolt would love to race against Noah Lyles
.jpg)
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 21.03.25. | 20:03
The Jamaican legend believes that their head-to-head races would have been thrilling for fans and himself alike
Usain Bolt has once expressed his desire to compete against American star Noah Lyles.
Bolt wishes Lyles had been part of his era.
The Jamaican legend believes that their head-to-head races would have been thrilling for fans and himself alike.
"At times when I watch track and field, I do miss it. I'm like, 'Wow,' but then you think about training. You're like, 'Whatever,'" Bolt admitted.
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Bolt acknowledged the excitement of seeing Lyles perform and wished they had raced against each other.
"I love competition, you know what I mean, and even now I see Noah Lyles running, I'm like, 'I wish he was in my era'. Be cool," he offered.
Throughout his career, Bolt enjoyed taking on the best sprinters in the world. However, he lamented that many of his closest rivals, such as Asafa Powell, Tyson Gay, and Yohan Blake, were often injured, making some races less competitive.
Bolt remains one of the biggest names in track and field, even after retiring in 2017. He holds world records in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay, and his dominance on the track spanned over a decade.
He turned professional in 2004 and cemented his legacy at the 2008 Beijing Olympics by winning double gold in the 100m and 200m.
He replicated this feat at the London 2012 Olympics, adding a 4x100m relay gold alongside Jamaican teammates Nesta Carter, Yohan Blake, and Michael Frater.
At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Bolt completed an unprecedented triple-triple, securing his third successive Olympic golds in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay.
His final tally stood at eight Olympic gold medals, 11 World Championship golds, two silvers, and one bronze, making him the most decorated sprinter in history.
Meanwhile, Noah Lyles has emerged as one of the most dominant figures in the 100m and 200m events in recent years. He is a six-time world champion who has solidified his place among sprinting greats by claiming the Olympic 100m title at the Paris Olympics.
