PARIS – Noah Lyles isn’t lacking in confidence ahead of the Paris Olympic track and field competition. The U.S. sprinter doubled down on his belief that he’s the fastest man in the world amid some backlash.
‘It’s me. It’s always going to be me,’ Lyles said with a smile at the Team USA track and field Paris Olympics introductory press conference. ‘Everybody knows that the title goes to the Olympic champion and the world champion, which I am one of and soon to be another one of.’
Lyles is the reigning world champion in the 100 and 200. He also won the U.S. Olympic track and field trials in both sprint events. The criticism he’s receiving is from some fans, past and current athletes who claim the ‘fastest man in the world’ title belongs to retired Jamaican track and field superstar Usain Bolt, who owns world records in both the 100 (9.58) and 200 (19.19).
There are others who believe the fastest man in the world is currently Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson who has the No. 1 100 time in the world this year at 9.77. Lyles’ season-best and personal-best 100 time of 9.81 ranks No. 3 in the world this year.
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Lyles thinks that the ‘fastest man in the world’ title is awarded annually to the individual who wins the 100 at world championships, or in this year’s case, the Olympic champion in the 100.
Whether people agree with Lyles or not, the U.S. sprinter has a chance to silence a lot of his naysayers when track and field begins at the Paris Olympics. The men’s 100 final is on Aug. 4 and the 200 final is Aug. 8. Lyles is set to run in the 100, 200 and 4×100-relay. He’s aiming to collect his first ever Olympic gold medal, and possibly more, after what he described as a disappointing bronze medal in the 200 at the Tokyo Games.
‘I’m excited. As a lot of people know the last Olympics didn’t go according to plan. There were a lot of ups and downs,’ Lyles said. ‘I can finally say I’m showing up for an Olympic games not depressed. It feels amazing. A lot of joy. … I can always think back to the last Olympics and be like, ‘No, this one is not the same. This one is way better and I’m ready to show it.’’
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