"We do not intend to disrespect or discredit past records"- Noah Lyles issues clarification for calling himself "The fastest man in the world"

Noah Lyles issued a clarification on the ongoing controversy after calling himself the "fastest man in the world", The American athlete was under heavy scrutiny from fans and track & field enthusiasts who lashed out at him for making such claims.

Fans mentioned that Lyles was not the fastest man in the world as legendary Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt holds the world record in the 100m which stands at 9.58s. On the other hand, Noah Lyles has a 100m personal best of 9.80s clocked in 2023 at the Flora Duffy Stadium, Devonshire which is yet to be ratified as per the official records mentioned on the World Athletics website.

Lyles' official personal best stands at 9.81s which was clocked in the 2024 London Diamond League. The American athlete took to YouTube, to issue a clarification on calling himself the 'fastest man in the world'.

Lyles said that the title of the 'fastest man in the world' is issued to the winner of the World Championships and he won the 100m and the 200m at the games held in Budapest last year. He added that he did not intend to disrespect or discredit past records as well as new records set in this season.

"I would like to address the comments surrounding the "Fastest Man" title. The titles "Fastest Man" and "Fastest Woman" are awarded annually to the winners of the 100m at the World Championships. I won the men's 100m at the 2023 World Championships, and Sha'Carri won the women's," he wrote.

"We do not intend to disrespect or discredit past records or times set in the new season. This is simply how the title is determined. If another male or female wins the 100m at this year's World Championships, they will assume the title. I hope this clarifies the matter for those who had questions," Lyles concluded.

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Noah Lyles on a new approach while aiming for three gold medals in Paris

Noah Lyles - 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field - Day 8 - Source: Getty

Before the Olympics, Noah Lyles spoke having a new approach as he gears up for the Paris Olympics. The American athlete shared that he had to 'reinvent' himself as he eyes bigger ambitions like the Olympic gold medal after a remarkably victorious campaign at the 2023 World Championships.

"I have to keep reinventing myself. We were all just trying to do what I did last year and I realized when I started doing that, that's when I start getting complacent," he said (via GQ Sports).

Lyles will be aiming for his first Olympic Gold medal in Paris and will be competing against some of the top sprinters of 2024 like Kishane Thompson and Ferdinand Omanyala, among others, for the pinnacle crown.