Noah Lyles on 'fastest man' claim: 'Always going to be me' - ESPN

PARIS — With multiple world championships, Noah Lyles' speed and résumé are without question.

But what is apparently up for debate as he makes his second Olympic appearance? His stake to the claim that he is the «fastest man in the world.»

Over the weekend, many on social media criticized his sprint-speed status after Team USA's social channels posted a video with Lyles introducing himself at Friday's opening ceremony.

While standing on the large boat that took the U.S. athletes down the Seine River, Lyles, 27, said in the video: «What's up, Team USA? This is Noah Lyles, fastest man in the world, and we are out here in Paris getting ready to go on our tour of the world, introducing America to the Olympics.»

In the three days since, the video has nearly 10 million views on X.

At an Olympic news conference Monday morning, Lyles addressed the controversy that stemmed from his pronouncement. But ultimately, he stood firm in his belief that the «fastest man» title does rest with him.

«It's me,» Lyles said, laughing. «It's always going to be me.»

Confidence has long been an undeniable hallmark of Lyles' charm and personality.

«Everybody knows that the title goes to the Olympic champion and the world champion, which I am one of,» Lyles said, pausing before adding. «And soon to be another one of.»

Lyles may be searching for his first Olympic gold medal, but he is the reigning world champion in both the 100 and 200 meters, winning both events at last year's world championships in Budapest, Hungary. It was his first time taking the top spot in the 100, an event that until then had been viewed as his weaker of the two sprint races.

Since posting his blistering 9.83-second time at the 2023 world championships, Lyles ran another 9.83