Olympic champion Noah Lyles has received a timely challenge from one of track and field’s seasoned legends—Justin Gatlin.
The former Olympic and world champion believes the 2025 season presents Lyles with the perfect platform to finally cement his place in the “Greatest of All Time” conversation, long dominated by Jamaican icon Usain Bolt.
Noah Lyles, a polarizing figure in the sprinting world, has dazzled fans and critics alike with his explosive talent. But despite winning big on the global stage, many argue he’s yet to do enough to join the rarefied air of the sport’s true GOATs. Gatlin, however, sees it differently.
Speaking on the Ready Set Go Podcast, Gatlin praised Lyles’ growing legacy. He highlighted his stunning treble at the 2023 World Championships . The championships that he claimed gold in the 100m and 20. He also led Team USA to glory in the 4×100m relay alongside sprint heavyweights Christian Coleman and Fred Kerley.
“He broke Michael Johnson’s American record in the 200m. Hewon Olympic gold in the 100—which isn’t even his main event—and pulled off a world championship three-peat,” said Gatlin.
“Now, if he repeats that in Tokyo this year, he’s absolutely in the GOAT debate.”
Records set by Usain Bolt
Bolt’s unmatched résumé—eight Olympic golds, 11 world titles, and still-unbroken world records in the 100m (9.58s) and 200m (19.19s). It sets a towering benchmark. But Gatlin believes that if Lyles can deliver another world-beating season, particularly a second straight sweep of the 100m, 200m, and relay titles, he’ll silence any lingering doubts.
“Back it up with a two-time three-peat, and it’s a done deal,” Gatlin stated confidently.
Lyles, though, will need to shake off a slow start to 2025. He opened strongly with a win in the 60m dash at the New Balance Grand Prix but has since been sidelined by an ankle injury. That setback forced him out of the Adidas Atlanta City Games . He was expected to headline the 150m against the Africa`s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala.
With Tokyo fast approaching in September, the sprint world will be watching closely. If Lyles can hit peak form and defend his titles, the GOAT conversation may no longer just be about Bolt. Will he manage?
