Noah Lyles matches a Usain Bolt record with fourth straight 200-meter world title. Noah Lyles ran 19.52 seconds to win a fourth-straight 200-meter World Athletics Championships title, becoming only the second man since Usain Bolt to defend the crown three times.

Noah Lyles Matches Usain Bolt Record with Fourth Straight 200-Meter World Title

American sprint star Noah Lyles cemented his legacy in track and field history on Thursday night by winning his fourth consecutive 200-meter title at the World Athletics Championships, matching a feat previously accomplished only by legendary Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt.

Lyles, 28, stormed down the track in 19.52 seconds, holding off a strong challenge from Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, who clocked 19.74, and Canada’s Andre De Grasse, who took bronze in 19.87. With the victory, Lyles becomes just the second man ever to win four straight 200-meter titles at the World Championships, a record Bolt achieved between 2009 and 2015.

“I’m chasing greatness, and that means chasing history,” Lyles said after the race. “To be mentioned in the same breath as Usain Bolt — that’s everything I’ve worked for. But I’m not done yet.”

A Historic Streak

Lyles’ win in Tokyo adds to his world titles from Doha (2019), Eugene (2022), and Budapest (2023). Each of those victories showcased a different phase of his evolution: from the rising star who replaced Bolt as the face of the 200m, to a dominant, confident veteran who now sits among the event’s all-time greats.

Since Bolt’s retirement in 2017, many wondered if the sport would find another charismatic, record-chasing sprinter. Lyles has steadily answered that question, combining world-class talent with an infectious personality and unmatched consistency.

“Noah isn’t just winning races — he’s redefining what consistency at the highest level looks like,” said former U.S. Olympic champion Michael Johnson. “Four straight world titles in the 200 meters is something only Bolt had done. That puts Lyles in truly elite company.”

Looking Ahead: Paris 2026

While Lyles has been dominant at the World Championships, the Olympic Games remain a major focus. He won the bronze medal in Tokyo 2021 and then captured gold in the 200m at Paris 2024, finally achieving his dream of Olympic glory.

Now, with a second Olympics on the horizon in Los Angeles 2028, Lyles is eyeing not just more medals, but possibly chasing Bolt’s world record of 19.19 seconds set in 2009 — a mark Lyles has publicly said he believes he can break.

“I’ve run 19.3, 19.4, 19.5… I know there’s a 19.1 in me,” Lyles said. “It’s all about putting together the perfect race. And I think that day is coming soon.”

Changing the Game

Beyond his performances on the track, Lyles has become a leading voice in global athletics. He’s used his platform to advocate for mental health awareness, better athlete support, and greater visibility for the sport.

With his fourth 200-meter world title secured, Noah Lyles has not only matched a record once thought untouchable — he’s now on a path to set new ones. And if his current form is any indication, the Lyles era is far from over.