Noah Lyles, once confidently declaring himself the future 100m world record holder, finds himself slipping further down the conversation of all-time sprinting greats.
Fast forward to mid-2025, and that goal seems to be drifting further from reach. A shake-up in the men’s 100m all-time list that took social media by storm on June 28.
The updated ranking followed a stunning performance from Jamaican sprinter Kishane Thompson, who clocked a blistering 9.75s at the Jamaican National Championships. Not only was it the fastest time in the world this season, but it also vaulted Thompson to 6th place on the all-time list.
For Lyles, the news wasn’t as bright. His 9.79s personal best, achieved in Paris, had previously kept him tied at 11 alongside Thompson and sprint legend Maurice Greene. Now, with Thompson’s ascent, Lyles slides to 12. Meanwhile, his American rivals Christian Coleman (7) and Fred Kerley (9) remain securely ahead, adding even more fuel to an already competitive U.S. sprinting scene.
Michael Johnson’s Tough Love
Adding to the growing scrutiny was sprint icon Michael Johnson, who didn’t mince words recently. Just over a week ago, Johnson commented on Lyles’ need to back up his claims with performances.
“If your position is, ‘I’m the fastest man in the world,’ and you’ve got to keep explaining it based on something you did last year, well, you’ve got a problem, because you have to keep proving it.”
And it’s hard to argue with the four-time Olympic champion. With less than two months to the World Championships, Lyles has yet to line up for a 100m race this season, a concerning silence on the track from the reigning world and Olympic champion.
Can Lyles Break 9.79?
The big question now is whether Noah Lyles can dip below his 9.79s best. Track and field analyst Coach Rob, speaking on his Coach Rob Track and Field podcast, was skeptical.
“I don’t have evidence that he can go 9.7 mid, 9.7 low. That evidence isn’t there,” he admitted.
It’s worth noting, though, that in 2024, Lyles broke 10 seconds in eight of his ten 100m races, a remarkable display of consistency. But sprinting greatness is ultimately about peaking at the right moment, and with young talents like Thompson rapidly rising and seasoned sprinters holding strong, the window for Lyles to reclaim authority is narrowing.
The 2025 season could become a defining chapter in Noah Lyles’ career. As new stars emerge and legends weigh in, the clock is ticking, quite literally, on whether Lyles can deliver a career-defining performance.
