Noah Lyles has confidently named the only sprinters in history with greater top-end speed than himself.
Reigning 100m and 200m World Champion Noah Lyles is known for his confidence and blazing speed.
But even the fastest men in the world know when to give props. In a recent interview on the Cam Newton Show, Lyles made a bold yet humble admission, naming the only three sprinters who have more top-end speed than him.
1. Usain Bolt
It’s no surprise that the Jamaican sprint king Usain Bolt tops Lyles’ list with a top end speed of 44.72 km/h, the fastest ever.
Bolt’s 2009 world records still stand as the ultimate benchmark in sprinting. With unmatched stride length and turnover, Bolt redefined what was humanly possible on the track.
“Usain Bolt… top speed for days,” Lyles said.
2. Tyson Gay
Tyson Gay remains one of the fastest men in history and still holds the American record, with Yohan Blake at 9.69s.
Known for his explosive acceleration and smooth mechanics, Gay’s top speed in his prime was world-class, even in an era dominated by Bolt.
Noah Lyles didn’t hesitate to include Gay, acknowledging his elite top-end velocity of 43.65 km/h.
3. Yohan Blake
Yohan Blake
Yohan Blake is the second fastest man in history behind Usain Bolt in both the 100m and 200m events
Nicknamed The Beast, Yohan Blake was Bolt’s Jamaican teammate and one of the few sprinters to push him to the limit.
His 200m time of 19.26s is the second-fastest ever, only behind Bolt. Lyles recognizes Blake’s freakish power and sustained top-end speed of 43.5 km/h as worthy of this elite group.
Lyles himself made it clear, “None of them are running anymore.” He believes the top-speed throne is his in this era of sprinting with the likes of Kishane Thompson, Fred Kerley, Kenny Bednarek and Christian Coleman.
“I’m a top speed guy… for days,” Lyles concluded.
