Lyles says Bolt’s 200m world mark is ‘reachable’
DOHA: US sprinter Noah Lyles hoped to rewrite Usain Bolt's 200m world record when he competes in the men's final here on Tuesday night.
The legendary Jamaican’s mark of 19.19 was set 10 years ago at the Berlin 2009 World Championships when the eight-time Olympic champion was at his lethal best.
But Lyles believes the record is now within his reach. After sweeping through Monday’s semifinal at the Khalifa International Stadium in 19.86, it could even happen in the final.
“I’ll be going after anything and everything,” said Lyles. “The gold is first and whatever time pops up, I’ll just be ready."
Only fellow Jamaican Yohan Blake came close to beat Bolt's record when he ran 19.26 in 2011, but the record has remained intact even after a decade.
“But I think it’s possible and if you don’t think it is then I don’t think you need to be in the sport.
“This is a smooth track and I feel like I’m in some pretty good shape, so we’ll see. You are all going to have to watch," he added.
Lyles will certainly be favourite to win the title after having lowered his personal best to 19.50 in Lausanne this July. The American leads the world for 2019 and now sits fourth on the world all-time list behind Bolt, Blake and USA’s 1996 Olympic champion Michael Johnson.
