Noah Lyles is poised for 60m showdown at the New Balance Grand Prix after season opener.
Olympic champion Noah Lyles is gearing up for an electrifying clash at the New Balance Grand Prix on February 2.
The reigning 100m and 200m world champion, will face a formidable lineup featuring some of the fastest men in the 60m event, including former Olympic 100m champion Larmont Marcell Jacobs and the ever-dangerous Trayvon Bromell.
Lyles began his indoor season in strong form, claiming victory in a 60m race in Gainesville, Florida, with a time of 6.62 seconds.
While the win was a confidence booster, the time remains significantly off his personal best of 6.43 seconds.
As he prepares to line up against a stacked field, Pulse Sports takes a look at how his best times compare to his competitors at the New Balance Grand Prix.
2016 World indoor bronze medallist Ronnie Baker bounced back to competitive running on an impressive note, thereby firing warning at Noah Lyles, Christian Coleman, and Trayvon Bromell.
How does Noah Lyles’ 60m time compare against Marcell Jacobs & Co?
1. Marcell Jacobs (6.41 PB)
Marcell Jacobs enters the event as the fastest 60m sprinter in the field.
The Italian speedster boasts a personal best of 6.41 seconds, giving him a 0.02-second advantage over Lyles. His explosive start and indoor sprinting prowess make him a key contender for victory.
)
Olympic champion Noah Lyles has teased a surprise for fans ahead of his anticipated 60m showdown at the New Balance Grand Prix.
2. Trayvon Bromell (6.42 PB)
American sprinter Trayvon Bromell is another major threat, with a blistering 6.42 personal best.
Just 0.01 seconds behind Jacobs and 0.01 ahead of Lyles, Bromell’s consistency and acceleration out of the blocks make him a strong title contender.
3. Noah Lyles (6.43 PB)
Lyles ranks third among Sunday’s competitors, with his personal best of 6.43 seconds putting him just behind Jacobs and Bromell.
While his top-end speed is exceptional, his start will be critical if he hopes to outgun his rivals.
)
Sha’Carri Richardson has explained how she wants to use her influence and platform to help change one big worrying state about the sport of track and field.
4. Terrence Jones & Zharnel Hughes (6.45 PB)
Bahamian sprinter Terrence Jones and Great Britain’s Zharnel Hughes share a personal best of 6.45 seconds. Both are known for their ability to perform under pressure, making them dark horses in this elite lineup.
5. Pjai Austin & JT Smith (6.53 PB)
American sprinters Pjai Austin and JT Smith clock in with personal bests of 6.53 seconds. While they may be slight underdogs in this race, an indoor competition always presents the possibility of surprises.
)
Noah Lyles has revealed his go-to exercise as he dismisses the effectiveness of bench presses in track and field.
6. Udodi Onwuzurike (6.59 PB)
The Nigerian speedster Udodi Onwuzurike comes in with a personal best of 6.59 seconds. He will look to improve on his time and compete strongly against the top sprinters in the world.
7. Miles Lewis (6.63 PB)
Puerto Rican sprinter Miles Lewis rounds out the field with a personal best of 6.63 seconds, just a fraction slower than Lyles’ season opener.
)
Josephus Lyles opens up about overcoming feelings of guilt and comparison to his brother Noah Lyles as he strives to carve his own path in athletics.
The Outlook
With seven of the eight competitors having clocked faster than Lyles’ 6.62-second season opener, the American sprint king will need to sharpen his start and acceleration to contend for victory.
However, only Jacobs (6.41) and Bromell (6.42) have ever run faster than Lyles’ personal best of 6.43, leaving him well within striking distance of the top finishers.
As the New Balance Grand Prix approaches, all eyes will be on Lyles to see if he can improve his time and challenge for the title in what promises to be a thrilling 60m showdown.
