Noah Lyles’ attempt to break Usain Bolt’s 150-meter world record at the 2025 Atlanta City Games has ignited significant debate within the track and field community.

While Lyles’ performance was impressive, falling just 0.06 seconds short of Bolt’s 14.35-second record, several experts have expressed skepticism about his ability to surpass the Jamaican legend’s achievements.(talkSPORT).

Lyles’ Near Miss at Atlanta City Games

At the 2025 Atlanta City Games, Lyles clocked an impressive 14.41 seconds in the 150-meter race, equaling the American record set by Tyson Gay.

This performance placed him second-fastest in history for the distance, just behind Bolt’s 2009 record.

Lyles’ consistency and speed in recent years have fueled speculation about his potential to break Bolt’s records.

However, experts caution that while Lyles is a formidable sprinter, breaking Bolt’s records remains a formidable challenge.(talkSPORT)

Expert Opinions on Lyles’ Prospects

Veteran sprinter and Olympic gold medalist Justin Gatlin expressed doubts about Lyles’ ability to surpass Bolt, stating, “I don’t see Noah running down Usain.” Similarly, former sprinter Rodney Green remarked that Lyles “makes himself available a lot,” suggesting that his public statements may not align with his actual performances.

These critiques highlight the pressure on Lyles to deliver on his ambitious claims.(EssentiallySports, EssentiallySports)

Additionally, sprint legend Maurice Greene criticized the current generation of sprinters, including Lyles, for not approaching Bolt’s record despite advancements in technology and training.

Greene suggested that with modern equipment and tracks, sprinters should be running faster times, implying that the current crop may be focusing more on publicity than on refining their technique.(Pulse Sports Nigeria)

The Challenge of Breaking Bolt’s Records

Bolt’s 150-meter world record of 14.35 seconds, set in 2009, remains a benchmark in sprinting.

Despite Lyles’ impressive performances, experts note that breaking such a record requires not only speed but also optimal conditions, flawless technique, and peak physical condition.

Bolt’s ability to maintain an average speed of 27.8 mph over the course of his record-breaking race is a testament to his exceptional talent and preparation.(talkSPORT, The Times of India)

While Lyles has demonstrated remarkable speed, including a 9.79-second 100-meter run, his consistency and ability to perform under pressure will be crucial in his pursuit of Bolt’s records.

The track and field community remains divided on whether Lyles can achieve this feat, with some expressing cautious optimism and others remaining skeptical.

Noah Lyles’ near-record performance at the 2025 Atlanta City Games has sparked renewed interest in the possibility of breaking Usain Bolt’s 150-meter world record.

While Lyles’ talent and achievements are undeniable, experts caution that surpassing Bolt’s records is an extraordinary challenge that requires more than just speed—it demands perfection in every aspect of sprinting.

As Lyles continues to chase this elusive goal, the track and field world watches closely, eager to see if the next generation can indeed outrun the legend.(talkSPORT)