With his fourth consecutive 200m world title in Tokyo, Noah Lyles matched Usain Bolt’s legendary feat, making him the only athlete of the current generation to stand toe-to-toe with Bolt. Now, with his eyes set on breaking Bolt’s 200m record, Lyles is confident about his next race, but Bolt isn’t so easily impressed. “We’re just more talented. That’s all I’m saying,” he stated, throwing a jab at the current crop of male sprinters.

Meanwhile, Lyles’ rival-turned-supporter, Justin Gatlin, believes the American phenom has what it takes not only to surpass Bolt’s five consecutive world titles but also to shatter his astonishing world records of 9.58 seconds in the 100m and 19.19 seconds in the 200m. With his compatriot backing him, Lyles has miles to run before he rests, but how does he truly feel about his legendary rivalry with Bolt?

During a conversation with Speakeasy, Noah Lyles faced a barrage of questions. When asked if he considers himself a better 200m runner than Usain Bolt, Lyles confidently replied that he’s actually more consistent, pointing out that he’s running more 200m races at this stage of his career than Bolt ever did. “I’d say I’m a more consistent runner. My consistency at running fast times is a lot higher. But at the same time, you’re saying as he got to the second half of his career, he didn’t run as many 200s or hundreds, you know,” said Lyles.

He further added, “But I’m the guy who’s always coming in for the fight. I’m never going to shy away. You know, this year I had an injury. I threw myself into one of the fastest 200s of the year as my first race and came out the victor because I’m not here to, you know, baby myself into it, try to get wins. If I want to be able to be ready for world championships, I need to throw myself in the fire.”

Noah Lyles isn’t wrong; Usain Bolt’s final years on the track were turbulent. The legendary sprinter reduced his 100m and 200m races, navigating physical challenges and strategic choices. His career’s curtain fell in 2017 after a hamstring tear during the World Championships 4×100m relay, forcing him to manage his body with utmost care. While Bolt ended his career with eight Olympic gold medals and 11 world titles, a record yet to be broken, Lyles is aiming even higher, seeking to surpass him by winning five consecutive world titles.

“I can’t wait for 2027 to become the only man to win five 200m titles,” said Noah Lyles in his conversation with The Guardian. Lyles is one of the few athletes boldly confronting Usain Bolt, aiming to surpass the legend’s record. Even Bolt sees the potential: “I think if he corrects a few things, I won’t say, he could get better. The possibility is there.” Words that blend appreciation with a subtle challenge. Guess what, the subtle dig has motivated the American to break another record, which belongs to Usain Bolt.

“I have a more immediate goal,” warns Noah Lyles

Just days ago, Usain Bolt was asked about the new generation of sprinters. The Jamaican gave a simple yet pointed remark that seemed to be a subtle dig at Lyles and others. “They’re running faster and faster times [with the new shoes]. I’m just saying, ‘You can’t run faster with brand new spikes?’ We’re just way more talented men,” said Usain Bolt in his conversation with The Times.

Quite a dig he threw at the newer generation. Well, Noah Lyles appeared to have taken these words seriously as he has thrown down the gauntlet to Bolt. In an interview with La Gazzetta Dello Sport, the 200m world champion added, “Next season will be a season without any major global events, without any major stress: it’s natural for me to look beyond that. But in reality, I have a more immediate goal. I still have to talk to Coach B (Lance Brauman) about it, but I’d like to create the right opportunity to go after Bolt’s 19.19 world record.”

Noah Lyles has long aimed to challenge Usain Bolt’s legacy. His 200m personal best of 19.31s, set in 2022, ranks as the third fastest in history, though Bolt still holds quicker times from the 2009 World Championships and 2008 Olympics. Even Yohan Blake outran him, clocking 19.26s at a 2011 Diamond League meet. Lyles has miles to go. Regardless, what are your thoughts? Is Lyles better than Bolt?