Noah Lyles Reveals His Blueprint to Join Usain Bolt in the GOAT Conversation

 

Noah Lyles, one of the brightest stars in track and field today, has made it no secret that he wants to be remembered alongside the greatest sprinters in history. And when it comes to greatness, no name looms larger than Usain Bolt—the eight-time Olympic gold medalist and world record holder in both the 100m (9.58 seconds) and 200m (19.19 seconds). In a recent interview, Lyles laid out exactly what it would take for him to be considered in the same conversation as Bolt, offering a clear and ambitious roadmap.

Consistency and Dominance

Lyles understands that talent alone doesn’t make a GOAT—sustained dominance does. He pointed out that Bolt wasn’t just fast; he was consistently unbeatable on the world’s biggest stages. “To be in that GOAT conversation, I can’t just win one or two races,” Lyles explained. “I need to dominate year after year, through multiple championships.” This includes Olympic Games and World Championships, where Bolt made his name legendary. Lyles knows the same standard will apply to him.

Breaking Records

One of the major pillars of Bolt’s greatness is his world records. Lyles has openly stated that to truly challenge Bolt’s legacy, he will need to go beyond gold medals—he will need to rewrite the record books. The 200m, in particular, is where Lyles feels he can close the gap. Having already run 19.31 seconds—making him the third-fastest man ever at the distance—he believes the 200m world record is within reach. “The 200 is my baby,” Lyles has said. “I believe I can go 19.10, maybe even faster.”

Triple Gold Ambition

Lyles has also set his sights on a feat that even Bolt only accomplished twice: winning gold in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay at a single Olympic Games. Known as the “triple,” this accomplishment would solidify Lyles’ status as not just a fast runner, but an all-time great. He’s publicly stated that Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028 are key targets for achieving this goal.

Off-the-Track Impact

But Lyles also knows greatness isn’t measured only in seconds. He points to Bolt’s global popularity and charisma—his ability to connect with fans worldwide—as a vital part of what made him iconic. Lyles has leaned into his own personality, using social media, fashion, and music to broaden his appeal. “People remember how you made them feel,” he said. “I want to inspire the next generation like Bolt did for me.”

The Mental Game

Finally, Lyles acknowledges the mental side of the sport. “Bolt was mentally unshakable,” he said. “I’m working every day to reach that same mindset—focused, fearless, and hungry.”

In laying out this blueprint, Noah Lyles isn’t just dreaming. He’s taking deliberate steps to join an elite legacy. Whether he reaches Bolt’s heights remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: he’s chasing it with purpose.