"Usain Bolt from Jamaica changed the game";"Controversy attracts attention"- Fans split as Rai Benjamin claims Noah Lyles transformed sport

Rai Benjamin recently spoke about Noah Lyles' impact in transforming the sport of track and field. The Olympic gold medalist believed that Lyles 'changed the game' and elaborated on the reason for his claim.

Benjamin appeared on ESPN SportsCenter and spoke about how many top athletes like Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell, and Yohan Blake have graced the sport. Yet, Benjamin believed the level of attention and viewership brought to the sport by Noah Lyles has been immense.

"Listen I think to be fair, a lot of people came up through the ranks such as Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell, and Yohan Blake but I think the level of attention that track and field now has is because of their series sprint and because of who Noah is as a person. His ability to bring the masses outside the track and field like the entire NBA environment where I feel like they were really tuned in to see what would happen," he said.

This statement brought about a lot of discussions among fans. Some fans agreed with Benjamin's statements while others were completely against it and claimed that the legendary athlete Usain Bolt was the flag bearer of change in the sport.

"I like Rai enuh, so I won't even bother to tackle his view. Usain Bolt, from Jamaica "Changed the game" decades ago, and MANY of you in the sport struggled to maintain it. A convo many of you not ready for but we move...," tweeted a fan.

"Controversy attracts attention, and that’s just the reality. Noah Lyles' bold comments stir conversation, which in turn helps boost viewership for track and field events," wrote a fan.

"Ehhhh. I don’t agree. He just got people to hate watch. It was the Jamaicans that brought new eyes to the sport. As of late, it’s been Sha’Carri, Sydney, Gabby, Julien and even lil Quincy," another fan chimed in.

Here are some more fan reactions:

"Agreed! Love to see people get and give credit when it’s due. Well said, Rai. I also think Sha’Carri, Sydney, Gabby, Tara, Faith, Mondo, Nikki & so many others are contributing to this new era in T & F," wrote a fan.

" No lies were told," another fan tweeted.

"Great words from a peer but I disagree completely haha," another fan chimed in.

Rai Benjamin explains his claims after being questioned by fans

Rai Benjamin at the Olympic Games-Paris 2024 - Source: Getty

Rai Benjamin took to X to explain his claims after he was stormed by fans on social media. The American athlete pointed out the attention Noah Lyles brought to the sport during the Netflix series as well as the Paris Olympics.

"For everyone asking how. Being DENSE on purpose is so interesting to me lol. Nonetheless. The level of attention he brought after sprint/ during the games/ post OLY. The Fact that that post even triggered you 😂😂😂. Dude changed the game forever. Whether you like it or not. 🇺🇸🦅," he wrote.

With the Diamond League underway, Rai Benjamin is yet to release an official update for his plans for the rest of the 2024 season after Paris Olympics glory.