The sprinting world has long been captivated by the question of who reigns as the greatest of all time (GOAT) in track and field, particularly in the marquee 100m event. Two names dominate this conversation: Jamaica’s Usain Bolt and the United States’ Noah Lyles. Bolt, a global icon and one of the greats in any sport of all time, who shattered records with his 9.58-second 100m world record and amassed eight Olympic gold medals, becoming the face of sprinting. Lyles, the 2024 Olympic 100m champion, has emerged as the modern standard-bearer, challenging Bolt’s legacy with his own blazing speed and charisma. The “Usain Bolt vs. Noah Lyles sprinting GOAT Olympic 100m records” debate encapsulates their rivalry, pitting Bolt’s untouchable records and Olympic dominance against Lyles’ recent triumphs and potential to redefine sprinting. This 5,000-word exploration delves into their Olympic 100m records, career achievements, competitive contexts, personal styles, and global impact to determine who truly deserves the sprinting GOAT crown.
Olympic 100m Records: Bolt’s 9.58 vs. Lyles’ 2024 Triumph
The 100m dash is the ultimate test of speed, and its Olympic records are a cornerstone of the sprinting GOAT debate. Usain Bolt and Noah Lyles have both etched their names into this history, but their achievements differ in scale and context.
Bolt’s Unbreakable 9.58 and Olympic Dominance
Usain Bolt redefined sprinting at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he ran the 100m in 9.69 seconds, breaking the world record despite slowing down to celebrate before the finish line. A year later, at the 2009 Berlin World Championships, Bolt pushed the boundaries further, clocking a staggering 9.58 seconds—a record that still stands in 2025. This performance wasn’t just a record; it was a statement of dominance, as Bolt finished 0.11 seconds ahead of Tyson Gay, a margin rarely seen at the elite level. In Beijing, Bolt also became the first man since Carl Lewis in 1984 to win the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay at the same Olympics, all in world-record times.
Bolt’s Olympic 100m legacy continued in 2012 (London) and 2016 (Rio). In London, he ran 9.63 seconds, the second-fastest time ever, beating Yohan Blake by 0.12 seconds. In Rio, he completed the “triple-triple” (gold in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay across three Olympics), running 9.81 seconds in the 100m despite a slow start. Bolt’s eight Olympic golds (originally nine, but the 2008 4x100m relay gold was stripped due to Nesta Carter’s doping violation) and his ability to perform under pressure—often with a smile—cemented his legend. His Olympic 100m record of 9.63 seconds from 2012 remains untouched, a testament to his peak speed and consistency.
Lyles’ 2024 Olympic Breakthrough
Noah Lyles entered the 2024 Paris Olympics as a favorite, having already won the 200m at the 2019 and 2022 World Championships. His 100m journey, however, was less assured—until Paris. Lyles ran 9.79 seconds in the 100m final, edging out Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson by a mere 0.005 seconds in one of the closest Olympic 100m finishes ever. This victory made Lyles the first American man to win the Olympic 100m since Justin Gatlin in 2004, and his time of 9.79 seconds was a personal best, showcasing his growth in the event.
Lyles also won the 200m in Paris, running 19.31 seconds, and anchored the U.S. 4x100m relay to gold, completing a sprint treble reminiscent of Bolt’s feats. While Lyles’ 9.79 is far from Bolt’s 9.58 world record, it was a clutch performance under immense pressure, with the world watching to see if he could back up his bold pre-race claims of greatness. Lyles’ Olympic 100m win marked his arrival as a global sprinting star, but his time and single Olympic 100m gold pale in comparison to Bolt’s three straight Olympic 100m titles and record-setting performances.
Records Comparison: Bolt’s Peak vs. Lyles’ Promise
Bolt’s 9.58-second world record and 9.63-second Olympic record are monumental benchmarks. His 0.20-second improvement on the previous 100m world record (9.74 by Asafa Powell) was unprecedented, and his Olympic consistency—three golds, all under 9.82 seconds—sets a high bar. Lyles’ 9.79 in 2024 is impressive, especially given the tight competition, but it’s 0.21 seconds off Bolt’s world record and 0.16 seconds off his Olympic mark. Bolt’s margins of victory (0.11 to 0.20 seconds) also outshine Lyles’ razor-thin 0.005-second win, highlighting Bolt’s sheer dominance.
However, Lyles’ 2024 performance must be contextualized. At 27, he’s younger than Bolt was during his 2016 Rio triumph (Bolt was 30), and his 9.79 suggests room for growth. Lyles has spoken openly about targeting Bolt’s records, and with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, he has time to close the gap. For now, Bolt’s Olympic 100m records and three golds give him a clear edge, but Lyles’ trajectory keeps the debate alive.
Career Achievements: Bolt’s Longevity vs. Lyles’ Versatility
Beyond the Olympic 100m, both athletes have built impressive careers, with Bolt’s longevity and Lyles’ versatility shaping their GOAT cases.
Bolt’s Unmatched Career
Bolt’s career is a masterclass in sustained excellence. From 2008 to 2016, he dominated sprinting, winning 11 World Championship golds alongside his Olympic haul. His 200m world record of 19.19 seconds, set in Berlin 2009, remains untouched, and he was the first to hold both the 100m and 200m world records simultaneously. Bolt’s “double-double” (100m and 200m golds at the same Olympics) in 2008, 2012, and 2016 is a feat no other sprinter has matched. His 4x100m relay success further showcases his team impact, even if the 2008 gold was later revoked.
Bolt’s consistency was remarkable. He never lost a major 100m final from 2008 to 2016, barring a false start in the 2011 World Championships. His personal bests—9.58 (100m), 19.19 (200m), and 36.84 (4x100m relay split)—are all world records, and his ability to perform on the biggest stages, often with a flair for the dramatic (think of his pre-race lightning bolt pose), made him a global superstar. Bolt retired in 2017 after the World Championships, where he took bronze in the 100m (9.95 seconds), a rare loss that showed his human side after a decade of invincibility.
Lyles’ Rising Star
Noah Lyles, as of 2025, is still building his legacy, but his achievements are already significant. His 2024 Olympic treble (100m, 200m, 4x100m relay) mirrors Bolt’s, a rare feat. Lyles’ 200m personal best of 19.31 seconds, set in Paris 2024, makes him the third-fastest man ever in the event, behind Bolt (19.19) and Yohan Blake (19.26). At the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, Lyles became the first man since Bolt in 2015 to win the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay at a single Worlds, running 9.83 in the 100m and 19.52 in the 200m.
Lyles’ versatility stands out. He’s a 200m specialist who transitioned into a 100m force, a journey Bolt never had to make, as Bolt was a natural in both events from his junior days. Lyles’ 60m indoor success (6.43 seconds, 2024 World Indoor Championships) adds another dimension, as Bolt rarely competed indoors. However, Lyles’ career golds—three Olympic and six World Championship medals—lag behind Bolt’s 19 combined Olympic and World Championship golds. Lyles has time to add to his tally, but Bolt’s sheer volume of major victories remains a towering benchmark.
Career Comparison
Bolt’s career is defined by longevity and dominance: three Olympic 100m golds, three 200m golds, and a decade of near-unbeaten major finals. Lyles’ versatility—excelling in the 60m, 100m, and 200m—and his 2024 Olympic treble show immense potential, but he’s yet to match Bolt’s volume or record-breaking feats. Bolt’s peak (2008–2016) was untouchable; Lyles’ peak (2023–2024) is promising but lacks the same historical weight. The GOAT debate here favors Bolt’s sustained excellence, though Lyles’ upward trajectory keeps him in the conversation.
Competitive Context: Bolt’s Era vs. Lyles’ Challenges
The sprinting landscape each athlete faced shapes their legacies and the GOAT debate.
Bolt’s Era: A Field of Giants
Bolt’s prime (2008–2016) featured fierce competition. In the 100m, he faced Tyson Gay, who ran 9.69 in 2009, and Asafa Powell, the former world record holder (9.74). Yohan Blake, Bolt’s Jamaican teammate, ran 9.69 in 2012, the second-fastest time ever, and pushed Bolt hard in London. Justin Gatlin, a controversial figure due to doping bans, ran 9.74 in 2015 and was a consistent rival, taking silver behind Bolt in Rio 2016. The 200m field included Wallace Spearmon and Walter Dix, both sub-20-second runners.
Bolt’s era was also marked by Jamaica’s sprinting dominance, with the 4x100m relay team (Bolt, Blake, Powell, Nesta Carter) setting a world record of 36.84 seconds in 2012. The pressure to deliver for Jamaica, especially at the Olympics, was immense, yet Bolt thrived, often running sub-9.80 seconds despite less advanced track technology compared to Lyles’ era. Critics note that Bolt’s rivals, while fast, often crumbled under his psychological dominance, as seen in Gay’s 2008 Olympic semifinal exit due to injury.
Lyles’ Modern Competition
Lyles’ era (2019–2025) is arguably deeper. In the 2024 Olympic 100m final, he faced Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson (9.79, same time as Lyles), Oblique Seville (9.81), and American Fred Kerley (9.81), with seven of the eight finalists running sub-10 seconds—a level of depth Bolt rarely encountered. The 200m field includes Kenny Bednarek (19.62 in 2021) and Erriyon Knighton, who ran 19.49 at age 19 in 2023, the fourth-fastest time ever. Lyles’ 4x100m relay teammates, like Christian Coleman (9.76 PB), add to the U.S.’s resurgence in sprinting.
Usain Bolt vs Noah Lyles sprinting GOAT Olympic 100m records
Modern tracks and shoe technology (e.g., carbon-plated spikes) have made times faster, but the competition is fiercer. Lyles’ 9.79 in Paris 2024 was a personal best, but he needed a perfect race to edge Thompson. The pressure on Lyles is also unique: as the first American 100m Olympic champion in 20 years, he carries the weight of a nation eager to reclaim sprinting glory from Jamaica. Bolt’s era had fewer sub-9.90 runners; Lyles’ has more, making his wins harder-fought.
Context Comparison
Bolt faced a smaller but elite field, with Gay, Powell, and Blake as his main rivals. His ability to dominate psychologically—often joking before races while still winning by wide margins—set him apart. Lyles faces a deeper field, with tighter races and faster overall times due to technology. Bolt’s era demanded raw speed and mental toughness; Lyles’ requires precision and consistency in a more competitive landscape. The GOAT debate here depends on whether you value Bolt’s dominance over a strong but less deep field or Lyles’ wins in a tighter, more advanced era.
Personal Styles: Bolt’s Charisma vs. Lyles’ Showmanship
Sprinting isn’t just about speed; it’s about personality, and both Bolt and Lyles have brought unique flair to the track.
Bolt’s Larger-Than-Life Presence
Bolt’s charisma was magnetic. Standing 6’5”, his long strides and relaxed demeanor defied sprinting norms. His pre-race antics—like the lightning bolt pose or pointing to the sky—endeared him to fans, while his post-race celebrations, often dancing to reggae, made him a cultural icon. Bolt’s ability to smile through pressure, as seen in his 2008 Beijing 100m (slowing down to celebrate at 80 meters), turned races into spectacles. His catchphrase, “To di world,” became a rallying cry for Jamaica, and his playful rivalry with teammates like Blake added to his allure.
Bolt’s style translated into performance. His top-end speed (44.72 km/h during his 9.58) and ability to accelerate mid-race (reaching peak speed at 60–80 meters) were unmatched. He often started slowly but overtook rivals with his stride length (2.44 meters per stride), making races look effortless. Bolt’s personality and performance made him the face of the Olympics, a role no sprinter had filled since Jesse Owens in 1936.
Lyles’ Modern Flair
Noah Lyles, at 5’11”, brings a different energy. His showmanship is deliberate and theatrical—he’s painted his nails with messages, carried Yu-Gi-Oh! cards to the track, and mimicked anime poses after races. In Paris 2024, Lyles’ pre-100m final hype, declaring himself the fastest man alive, drew both praise and criticism, but his 9.79-second win backed it up. His emotional post-race interviews, where he spoke about overcoming asthma and mental health struggles, resonate with a younger, more open generation.
Lyles’ running style is explosive. His start is sharper than Bolt’s (reaction time of 0.128 seconds in Paris 2024 vs. Bolt’s 0.146 in 2009), and his compact frame generates power through quick strides. Lyles peaks earlier in races (around 50–60 meters) but maintains speed better than most, as seen in his 2024 200m (19.31 seconds). His versatility—excelling in the 60m, 100m, and 200m—adds to his appeal, though he lacks Bolt’s raw top-end speed (Lyles’ max is 43.2 km/h).
Style Comparison
Bolt’s charisma was effortless, his height and stride making him a physical marvel, while his playful demeanor made him universally loved. Lyles’ showmanship is calculated, blending modern pop culture (anime, fashion) with vulnerability, appealing to Gen Z fans. Bolt’s style was about dominance and joy; Lyles’ is about spectacle and resilience. The GOAT debate here hinges on whether you prefer Bolt’s iconic presence or Lyles’ contemporary flair.
Global Impact: Bolt’s Legacy vs. Lyles’ Influence
The sprinting GOAT isn’t just about records—it’s about impact on the sport and beyond.
Bolt’s Global Revolution
Bolt transformed track and field. His 2008–2016 run made sprinting the centerpiece of the Olympics, drawing millions of viewers. His world records and Olympic trebles elevated Jamaica’s profile, inspiring a generation of Caribbean sprinters like Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Elaine Thompson-Herah. Bolt’s marketability—endorsements with Puma, Gatorade, and Visa—made him a $30M-a-year athlete, the highest-paid in track history. His post-retirement ventures, including music production and a documentary (I Am Bolt), keep him relevant.
Bolt’s cultural impact is immense. He became a symbol of Jamaican pride, with his 2012 Olympic wins celebrated as a national holiday. His influence on sprinting technique—emphasizing top-end speed over starts—changed coaching methods, and his charisma brought new fans to a sport often overshadowed by team sports like soccer. Bolt’s legacy is one of global inspiration, making sprinting a spectacle.
Lyles’ Modern Influence
Lyles is reshaping sprinting’s narrative in the 2020s. His 2024 Olympic treble revitalized American sprinting, a field dominated by Jamaica since the early 2000s. Lyles’ openness about mental health—discussing his struggles with depression post-2020 Tokyo Olympics—has made him a role model for athletes addressing stigma. His social media presence (1M+ Instagram followers) and collaborations with brands like Adidas and Omega amplify his reach.
Lyles’ influence extends to the track. His 2023 World Championship treble and 2024 Olympic success have sparked a U.S. sprinting renaissance, with young talents like Knighton citing him as inspiration. Lyles’ push for faster times—he’s vowed to break Bolt’s 200m record by 2028—keeps fans engaged, and his advocacy for better pay in track and field (e.g., his 2024 petition for higher prize money) aims to grow the sport’s visibility. While Lyles’ impact is growing, it’s yet to match Bolt’s global scale.
Impact Comparison
Bolt’s impact was revolutionary, making sprinting a global spectacle and elevating Jamaica’s cultural standing. Lyles’ influence is more contemporary, focusing on mental health, U.S. sprinting’s revival, and athlete advocacy. Bolt’s legacy spans a decade of dominance; Lyles’ is still unfolding. The GOAT debate here favors Bolt’s transformative effect, though Lyles’ potential to shape sprinting’s future keeps him relevant.
The Sprinting GOAT Debate: Why It Endures
The “Usain Bolt vs. Noah Lyles sprinting GOAT Olympic 100m records” debate persists because it’s a clash of eras, styles, and legacies. Bolt’s case is built on unmatched records (9.58, 19.19), three Olympic 100m golds, and a decade of dominance that made him a global icon. Lyles counters with his 2024 Olympic treble, versatility across distances, and a modern flair that resonates with today’s fans. Bolt’s era featured elite but less deep competition; Lyles faces tighter races in a faster, more advanced field.
Statistically, Bolt’s records and volume of golds (8 Olympic, 11 World) dwarf Lyles’ (3 Olympic, 6 World). Bolt’s margins of victory and psychological edge outshine Lyles’ clutch but narrow wins. Culturally, Bolt made sprinting a spectacle; Lyles is making it more inclusive and vocal. The debate reflects what fans value: Bolt’s untouchable peak or Lyles’ promising ascent.
Conclusion: Bolt Remains the GOAT, But Lyles Is Closing In
Usain Bolt’s 9.58-second 100m world record, three Olympic 100m golds, and global impact make him the sprinting GOAT as of 2025. His Olympic 100m records and career dominance set a standard Noah Lyles has yet to match. However, Lyles’ 2024 Olympic 100m win (9.79 seconds), versatility, and modern influence position him as a worthy challenger. At 27, Lyles has time—potentially until the 2032 Olympics—to chase Bolt’s records and legacy. For now, Bolt’s throne is secure, but Lyles’ speed, showmanship, and ambition ensure this debate will evolve, keeping sprinting fans on the edge of their seats.