"We should just leave the question who's going to be next Usain Bolt" - Michael Johnson believes nobody can ever beat the Jamaican legend

By Muskan Sharma

Modified Sep 03, 2024 11:32 GMT

Former track and field athlete Michael Johnson recently shared his belief that no athlete could beat the legendary Usain Bolt. In an interview, the 56-year-old was asked about comparing currently soaring athletes like Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson with the ‘Lightning Bolt.’ While sharing his opinion, Johnson also imparted his unique perspective.

Former Jamaican athlete Usain Bolt needs no introduction for his athletic brilliance. Renowned as one of the greatest sprinters of all time, Bolt boasts a collection of eight Olympic gold medals. It includes three medals in the 200m, three in the 100m, and two in the 4x100m relay race. Moreover, he bagged 11 gold medals in World Championships from 2009 to 2015. Even years after his 2017 retirement, he firmly holds the world record in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay races.

The search for ‘the next Bolt’ has been in full swing, ever since Bolt hung his track and field shoes. Current athletes like Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson have gained massive recognition for their performances.

Recently, four-time Olympic gold medalist, Michael Johnson, shared his views on comparing today’s athletes with Bolt. He stated that there is “never going to be another Usain Bolt.”

Johnson told Olympics.com,

“We should probably just leave the question of who's going to be the next Bolt. I can answer that: nobody. There's never going to be another Usain Bolt.”

However, he believes that there will be ‘amazing’ athletes but Usain Bolt will remain unique,

"That doesn't mean that there won't be amazing personalities and feats in the sport. There will be. But Bolt was unique because he's Usain Bolt and nobody else is going to beat him,”

Noah Lyles attempted to chase Bolt’s 100m world record of 9.58s at the Paris Olympics 2024. However, he managed to win his first-ever gold by clocking 9.79s.

On the other hand, Sha’Carri Richardson won her first individual silver medal at her Olympics debut in the 200m race. She also bagged the gold medal in the 4x100m relay race.

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Michael Johnson believes he could defeat Usain Bolt due to his advantage

Usain Bolt and Michael Johnson at Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award - Source: Getty

Michael Johnson and Usain Bolt are two of the best in the field. While Bolt holds the world record in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay races, Johnson boasts the American record in the 400m race with a timing of 43.18s. Moreover, Bolt has a collection of eight Olympic gold medals whereas Johnson has won four.

While it would not be fair to compare the legends for their performances, Michael Johnson recently shared that he could have beaten the 'Lightning Bolt' in races due to one of his advantages.

In an interview with High Performance Podcast, Johnson stated that he only got into races that he believed he could win,

"I didn't get into any races I didn't think I could win. I think, you know, I could rise to whatever occasion. You know, Usain is an amazing athlete and he would have had an advantage on me a little bit out of the blocks," he said.

He further analyzed that Bolt was “not the most efficient at the end of the race.” However, Johnson was “extraordinarily efficient.” So, he believed he could defeat Bolt.

"But you know, when he's slowing down at the end, he's not the most efficient at the end of the race. I'm extraordinarily efficient. I would have beaten him on speed endurance and the ability to hold my speed and my ability to be more efficient," he added.

Lastly, Johnson added that he would continue to stand firmly on his belief. He also joked that no one would find out the truth as neither of them is in their prime years anymore.