Noah Lyles Delivers Poised Reply to Usain Bolt’s World Record Remarks Ahead of London Diamond League…

Noah Lyles Delivers Poised Reply to Usain Bolt’s World Record Remarks Ahead of London Diamond League

 

As the 2025 Diamond League season ramps up, the spotlight has trained firmly on Olympic champion Noah Lyles. With his first 100 m race of the season scheduled for the London Diamond League this weekend, Lyles found himself responding to comments made by sprinting legend Usain Bolt—remarks that have set the tone for what promises to be an electric season.

Bolt, the eight‑time Olympic gold medallist and holder of the enduring 100 m (9.58 s) and 200 m (19.19 s) world records, weighed in earlier this year on whether athletes like Lyles could surpass his legacy. Speaking on The Fix podcast, Bolt praised Jamaica’s Oblique Seville—who recently ran 9.86 s in London—as a serious contender for the 100 m world record. He also offered tempered optimism about Lyles breaking the 200 m mark:

> “I think the possibility is there, because he came close at the world championships. If he corrects a few things, he could get better…. I won’t say [what he needs to correct]. I won’t tell you how to break the world record.”

Bolt’s comments were respectful yet cautious—a nod to Lyles’ talent tempered with a reminder of the physical and technical demands required to eclipse those times.

Lyles, fresh off a commanding 200 m victory in Monaco (19.88 s), where he held off Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo , has paid close attention. In an interview with Citius Mag, he struck a balanced tone: ambitious, yet grounded.

When asked if he’ll rewrite Bolt’s records, Lyles kept it real. He emphasized his passion, his drive, and his confidence in continuous improvement. But he also acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge—recognizing that Bolt’s standards are supremely high. That rare blend of humility and self-belief is winning fans over.

He said after Monaco: “It was a great race, I’m really glad to be healthy… I didn’t feel any pressure; I don’t see any reason to put pressure on myself—that’s what we love to do” . Those words hint at a man chasing greatness, not headlines.

Now, as he returns to the 100 m in London, Lyles faces a field stacked with talent—including Bolt-supported sprinter Oblique Seville—and competes in front of a roaring 60,000 in a sold‑out stadium . His season debut isn’t just about winning—it’s about making a statement.

Bolt’s earlier praise—“Noah will think it’s easy running both events”—was delivered with a wink of warning: that excelling in both the 100 m and 200 m, while perfecting form, remains a monumental feat . But Lyles’ reply shows he isn’t avoiding the challenge. Instead, he appears ready to embrace it.

With Bolt’s record still standing, Lyles’ journey is entering its most thrilling phase. Will the Olympic gold medallist sharpen his technique, condition, and mental fortitude enough to approach—or even surpass—Bolt’s unbeatable times? His response so far: calm confidence and competitive fire.

This weekend, at the London Diamond League, the world will watch. Lyles isn’t just racing opponents—he’s racing history, with Bolt’s legacy as his ultimate benchmark. If his response to Bolt’s comments is any indication, he’s more than ready.