In the electrifying aftermath of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where he once again affirmed his dominion over the 200 meters, Noah Lyles isn`t resting on his laurels. Fresh off securing his fourth consecutive world title in his signature event – a feat matched only by the legendary Usain Bolt – and adding another gold in the 4x100m relay, Lyles is already charting a course for unprecedented heights. At 28, with 10 world medals adorning his impressive career, he`s not just running races; he`s crafting a legacy, one audacious goal at a time.
The Unyielding Quest for 19.19 Seconds
For Lyles, the glint of gold is merely a stepping stone. His sights are now firmly set on a number that resonates deeply within the athletics community: 19.19 seconds – Usain Bolt`s seemingly insurmountable 200m world record. The American sprinter, speaking from a relaxed setting at an Adidas event, unveiled his ambitious plan for 2026. Eschewing the grueling multi-round format of major championships, Lyles envisions a series of bespoke “ad hoc” races, invitational showdowns designed for optimal conditions.
“The next season will be without major global appointments, without major stress,” Lyles mused. “But actually, I have a more immediate goal… I’d like to create the right occasion to hunt for Bolt’s 19.19 world record.”
His strategy is meticulously technical: eliminate the fatigue of six rounds in a week, handpick the fastest tracks globally (like London, Beijing, or Tokyo), and chase ideal weather. This isn`t about mere victory; it`s about pushing the absolute limits of human speed in a controlled, almost laboratory-like environment. It’s a pursuit of pure performance, a testament to his understanding that record-breaking often requires more than just raw talent – it demands the perfect stage.
The “Who?” Moment: A Bridge Over Troubled Historical Waters
However, amidst this forward-looking ambition, a curious exchange revealed an unexpected chasm in historical awareness. When probed by an Italian journalist about Pietro Mennea, the Italian sprint icon who held the 200m world record (19.72s set at altitude in Mexico City) for an astonishing 17 years before Michael Johnson broke it, Lyles` response was a disarming, “Who?” He candidly admitted his historical purview extends primarily to American athletics and doesn`t stretch back to the 1970s.
This moment, while perhaps innocent, inadvertently highlighted a generational and geographical divide in sports knowledge. Here stands a man poised to etch his name into the annals of sprinting history, yet unaware of a significant chapter penned by a European predecessor. It`s a reminder, perhaps ironic, that in the relentless pursuit of future glories, sometimes the past can become a distant echo, especially if it doesn`t shout in one`s native tongue or within one`s national borders. For fans of athletics history, particularly in Italy, it was akin to a rock star not knowing who The Beatles were. For Lyles, it was simply a gap he hadn`t yet filled.
More Than a Sprinter: Empathy and Entertainment
Beyond the track and the records, Lyles presents a refreshingly human face. He openly discussed his past battles with asthma, dyslexia, ADHD, and depression, particularly during the challenging, COVID-affected Tokyo 2021 Olympics. His ability to overcome these personal struggles, crediting his mother Keisha and the power of open dialogue, resonates deeply in an era where athlete mental health is finally gaining the recognition it deserves.
His empathy extends to fellow competitors. When asked about Italian Olympic 100m champion Marcell Jacobs contemplating retirement, Lyles expressed a genuine desire to connect, offering advice rooted in his own experiences: “I can only suggest he thinks carefully. And if it`s an injury problem, to stay calm, treat himself, and try again. Maybe it`s just about modifying something in his running setup.” It`s a testament to the camaraderie that often underlies intense rivalry.
Lyles also unabashedly embraces his role as an entertainer. His flamboyant pre-race rituals – the raised arms, the lion`s roar, the signature blonde braids – are as much a part of his persona as his blistering speed. “Athletics must also be a show, entertainment,” he asserts. “My attitudes may not please everyone, but it’s my way of energizing myself and engaging the public.” He’s even teasing upcoming projects with his production company, hinting at new ways to captivate audiences beyond the finish line, ensuring that the spectacle of track and field remains vibrant and accessible to a new generation.
The Legacy in the Making
Noah Lyles is undeniably a modern phenomenon in track and field. He embodies the pinnacle of athletic achievement while simultaneously advocating for mental well-being and championing the sport as a compelling spectacle. His ambitious chase of Usain Bolt`s 200m world record and his future quest for a fifth world title speak to a relentless drive for sporting immortality. While his “Who?” moment regarding Mennea may have raised a few eyebrows, it ultimately highlights a fascinating tension between the immediate, spectacular present and the rich, often overlooked, tapestry of sports history. Lyles, it seems, is too busy making history to read every page of it, but in doing so, he ensures that his own chapter will be anything but forgotten.
