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The 5 Shocking Secrets Behind Noah Lyles' Sub-9.8 Second 100m Time

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As of December 2025, the world of track and field is still buzzing about the monumental achievement that cemented Noah Lyles’ status as a sprinting legend: his jaw-dropping 100-meter personal best (PB) of 9.79 seconds. This time, achieved in the most high-pressure environment imaginable—the final of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games—not only secured him his first Olympic gold medal in the event but also marked his definitive transition from a 200m specialist to the undisputed "fastest man in the world." The performance in Paris was the culmination of years of dedicated work, specifically targeting the acceleration and start that had historically been his weak point. His 9.79s clocking was a razor-thin victory, decided by just five-thousandths of a second in a photo finish, proving that every millisecond of his technical improvements paid off on the grandest stage.

Noah Lyles: The Profile of a Sprinting Superstar

Noah Lyles is an American track and field sprinter known for his charismatic personality and dominance in the 200-meter event. His recent surge in the 100m has made him one of the most compelling athletes globally.

  • Full Name: Noah Lyles
  • Date of Birth: July 18, 1997
  • Age (as of Dec 2025): 28
  • Nationality: American
  • Primary Events: 100 meters, 200 meters, 4x100m Relay
  • Olympic Medal Count: 2 (100m Gold, 4x100m Relay Bronze)
  • World Championship Titles: 8 (including the 2023 World Championship Treble: 100m, 200m, 4x100m)
  • Official 100m Personal Best (PB): 9.79 seconds (Paris 2024 Olympic Games)
  • Official 200m Personal Best (PB): 19.31 seconds (National Record)
  • Coaching: Coached by Lance Brauman

The Evolution of Lyles' 100m Time: A Timeline of Peak Performance

For years, the 100m dash was seen as Noah Lyles’ secondary event, a warm-up for his signature 200m race where he is the third-fastest man in history (19.31s). His journey to a sub-9.8 second time is a testament to focused training and a shift in mindset, transforming his performance at the critical start phase of the race.

From Solid to Olympic Gold: Key Milestones

Lyles’ 100m times have shown a consistent, aggressive downward trend, proving that his technical work is paying dividends. He has repeatedly smashed his own personal records in the lead-up to his Olympic victory:

  • 9.86 Seconds: His previous PB, which stood for a significant period, showcased his elite speed but left room for improvement against the absolute best sprinters.
  • 9.83 Seconds: Achieved at the US Olympic Trials, this time not only secured his spot on the Olympic team but also tied his then-PB and demonstrated his readiness to compete for medals.
  • 9.81 Seconds: He lowered his PB again at the London Diamond League in the final tune-up before the Olympics, signaling a major breakthrough in his acceleration mechanics.
  • 9.79 Seconds: The gold-medal-winning time at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Running 9.784 seconds (rounded up to 9.79) in the final, Lyles achieved the ultimate goal and solidified his place among the fastest sprinters of all time.

The 5 Technical Secrets That Unlocked 9.79 Seconds

The difference between a 9.8-second sprinter and a 9.7-second sprinter is often not top-end speed, but the first 30 meters. Lyles and his team focused obsessively on five key areas to shave off the crucial hundredths of a second needed for Olympic glory.

1. The Block Start Overhaul: Lyles has long been criticized for a slower reaction time and less explosive initial phase compared to rivals like Fred Kerley. Video analysis and specialized training drills were used to optimize his shin angles and initial push-off, ensuring maximum force generation in the first three steps. This focus on "block start breakdown" was essential to not losing too much ground early.

2. Increased 100m Race Volume: Historically, Lyles ran fewer 100m races than his competitors. In the 2024 season, he strategically increased his participation in high-level 100m events, including the Diamond League circuit. This increased race exposure allowed him to refine his pacing, manage adrenaline, and practice his new start technique under competition pressure, making the Olympic final feel less foreign.

3. The 200m Crossover Advantage: Lyles’ world-class 200m speed translates into unmatched top-end velocity and speed maintenance in the latter half of the 100m. While he might still be slightly behind at 60 meters, his ability to execute a powerful, long stride pattern and maintain his form under fatigue is superior, allowing him to close the gap on his rivals in the final 40 meters.

4. Mental Fortitude and 'Triple Gold' Ambition: Lyles made no secret of his goal to win the "triple gold" (100m, 200m, 4x100m) at the World Championships in 2023 and the Olympics in 2024. This public declaration of intent created a singular focus and mental toughness, forcing him to train his body to handle the demands of three elite events in a single championship. This psychological pressure ultimately sharpened his focus on the 100m.

5. The Photo Finish Edge: The 9.79s victory was not a clear win; it was 9.784 seconds, just ahead of Kishane Thompson's 9.789 seconds. This razor-thin margin highlights the importance of the final lean or ‘dip.’ Lyles’ ability to perfectly execute the final body lean across the finish line—a skill that can be practiced and perfected—was the final technical element that secured the gold medal.

How Lyles' 9.79s Stacks Up Against the World's Elite

Lyles’ 9.79s PB places him among the top-tier sprinters in history, a significant feat for an athlete whose primary focus was traditionally the 200m. The 2024 Olympic final proved to be one of the fastest in history, showcasing the incredible depth of the current sprint generation.

A Comparison of the Fastest Men

The race in Paris highlighted the intense rivalry at the top of the sport. Lyles had to defeat world-class competitors who also posted phenomenal times:

  • Kishane Thompson (Jamaica): The silver medalist ran an identical 9.79 seconds (9.789s unrounded) in the final. Thompson holds a slightly faster personal best of 9.75 seconds, set earlier in the season at the Jamaican Championships. This PB makes Thompson one of the fastest men ever and highlights the incredible challenge Lyles overcame.
  • Fred Kerley (USA): The former 100m World Champion and Olympic silver medalist finished third with a time of 9.81 seconds in the Paris final, demonstrating the high standard of the field. Kerley’s presence pushed Lyles to his absolute limit.
  • Usain Bolt (Jamaica): For context, the world record remains 9.58 seconds, set by Usain Bolt in 2009. While Lyles is still a distance from this monumental record, his 9.79s time is a significant step, placing him firmly in the conversation as one of the few athletes capable of challenging the 9.7-second barrier.

The 9.79-second mark is more than just a personal best; it is a statement. It signifies that Noah Lyles has successfully conquered the 100m, transforming his career and changing the landscape of men's sprinting. It ensures that every time he steps onto the track, whether for the 100m or the 200m, he is the man to beat, carrying the weight of the ‘Olympic Champion’ and ‘Fastest Man in the World’ titles. His continued focus on improving his start suggests that even faster times might be on the horizon as he targets future competitions.

noah lyles 100m time
noah lyles 100m time

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