Not saying he’s better than Bolt, but the 200m *season* that Lyles just completed is the greatest of all time. World championship, American record, DL Final record, seven races under 19.7 (the most Bolt ever did in one season was four), and he made 19.5 look routine. So great to see him overcome his mental health challenges and bounce back after his disappointment (by his standards) at the Olympics last year.
Roscoe Cook. Oliver Ford, Cy Leland, Clyde Jeffreys, Dennis Johnson, all were WORLD RECORD holding sprinters, ya don't need a World Record, yep Lyles had the best 200m season ever.
i still can't believe that i raced against this guy back in high school. my team had too many distance runners and our 4x400 team was weak. because i was the fastest sprinter on the distance team, my coach randomly threw me in the 200m to see what kind of potential i had if i converted to 400/800 and i ended up in the same heat as this guy. i didn't even realize that i raced against this guy until a few years ago when i googled my old results. i'm still shocked. if only i had said something to this guy at the time.
He’s awesome but not awesome enough to be awesome at either 100m or 400m and respective relay duties as were bolt and Johnson. Johnson held 400m and 200m world records during his reign. And bolt held and still holds 100m and 200m world records. Lyles will never get a world record. Beautiful sprinter though and he was clearly the best at 200m in 2022.
what about the 100m? will he go back to it? it seems like a waste with that kind of speed to run only the 200m but I guess it's working so whatever
His start off the blocks is just okay but his acceleration down the bend and ability to sustain top speed for longer seem uniquely tailored for the 200. He’d need to hit a somewhat higher top speed within ~60m to dominate the 100 like he does the 200.
what about the 100m? will he go back to it? it seems like a waste with that kind of speed to run only the 200m but I guess it's working so whatever
His start off the blocks is just okay but his acceleration down the bend and ability to sustain top speed for longer seem uniquely tailored for the 200. He’d need to hit a somewhat higher top speed within ~60m to dominate the 100 like he does the 200.
HIs 19.6 form is probably equivalent to 9.95-10.0 and 19.3 about 9.80-9.85. He didn't hit his peak til worlds so it was unlikely that he would make the US team in the 100m.
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We have enough Youth, What we need is a Fountain of Smart.
Wrong. A season is measured on consistency, not a single race. Much like a career would be measured more in championship performances and less in stellar one-off races.
He’s awesome but not awesome enough to be awesome at either 100m or 400m and respective relay duties as were bolt and Johnson. Johnson held 400m and 200m world records during his reign. And bolt held and still holds 100m and 200m world records. Lyles will never get a world record. Beautiful sprinter though and he was clearly the best at 200m in 2022.
Never say never, especially in the 200.
This was a real breakout year for Lyles, where he solidified himself at 19.5--and because of that, 19.5 is now the springboard from which he can leap, hence the 19.3
19.19 is not insurmountable. Heck, Flake would have beaten it had he not fallen asleep in the blocks. The fact that Dolt and Flake existed at exactly the same time tell you that 9.58/19.19 is not as rarefied as you would think. Flake has the time-of-flight 200m WR, and was only 0.07 basic off the 100m WR. Sub-19.19 has been proven to be possible.
The bend is insanely important in the 200, and Lyles has finally figured out how to run it better, with a new coach, I think. Better, but not yet perfectly, and that is where he can gain some time. Really, all he needs is a tenth, and some decent wind.
He is reported to be concentrating more on the 100 next year, and who knows, it might work for him. If he can learn the turn, he can also learn a start. His 100m start has always had room for improvement, so we will see. Never say never, we could see 9.7 from him next year. Look at Kerley.
But I think if he focuses on the 100, his 200 will suffer, because you really need to do turn repeats to become consistent and comfortable at it. The balance has to come naturally, if you have to think about it and apply effort, you are sunk.
So if he goes for the 100 next year, IMO he doesn't get the 200 WR. If he sticks with the 2, he has a shot.
Not saying he’s better than Bolt, but the 200m *season* that Lyles just completed is the greatest of all time. World championship, American record, DL Final record, seven races under 19.7 (the most Bolt ever did in one season was four), and he made 19.5 look routine. So great to see him overcome his mental health challenges and bounce back after his disappointment (by his standards) at the Olympics last year.
Jesus look at all these flag waving fan boys. Dial it back in people.
Jesus look at all these flag waving fan boys. Dial it back in people.
1. I’m a grown man, not a boy. Show some respect.
2. There is nothing wrong with having national pride and celebrating the accomplishments of an athlete from one’s country, particularly when that athlete represents that country in international competition. That’s very different than extreme nationalism.
3. If you disagree with my assertion, then try to refute it with facts. If you can.
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