'He Is Definitely In The GOAT Category' - Justin Gatlin Reveals Ultimutum For Noah Lyles Amidst Usain Bolt Debate

Noah Lyles. Photo. Imago

'He Is Definitely In The GOAT Category' - Justin Gatlin Reveals Ultimutum For Noah Lyles Amidst Usain Bolt Debate

Evans Ousuru 12:32 - 22.05.2025

Noah Lyles given ultimutum by American sprint legent as conversation over Usain Bolt gathers momentum.

American sprint legent Justin Gatlin has made a rallying call to Noah Lyles ahead of the World Championships. 

Gatlin, who is the 2004 100m Olympic champion, reckons that Lyles is not far from achieving Usain Bolt's records but must do one thing this year.

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All eyes are focused on the world championships in Tokyo, September, where the world will get to see the creme dela creme of the globe's top athletes compete in the biennial showpiece. 

Gatlin believes Lyles could move into the GOAT conversation as early as September, though, with another dominant display in Japan. 

Discussing  with Rodney Green whether Lyles would enter the GOAT conversation by winning gold again in Tokyo on the Ready Set Go podcast, Justin Gatlin said: "I think if he goes back and defends his World Championship titles from the 100m, 200m and 4x100m, he’s definitely in the GOAT category." 

Lyles is currently the third fastest man in history across the 200m, with his personal best of 19.31secs only beaten by Bolt and Yohan Blake. 

His 100m gold in Paris last summer followed a trio of wins at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest.

The American will defend his 100m, 200m and 4x100m titles in Tokyo in September, having already won six World Championship gold medals. 

Lyles' fellow American was a two-time world champion and won gold in the 100m at the 2004 Athens Olympics during his career. He also joined Bolt on the podium in the event at both the 2012 and 2016 Games after taking bronze and silver, respectively. Meanwhile, his personal best of 9.74seconds in the 100m makes him the fifth fastest man of all-time.

Meanwhile, his personal best of 9.74seconds in the 100m makes him the fifth fastest man of all-time.