“The opportunity is there”—this four-word sentence may have given Noah Lyles the ultimate source of happiness. Truly, those words have spurred him on in recent years. The 27-year-old athlete is chasing Usain Bolt’s track records. At the 2022 Oregon World Championships, he came close to the Jamaican legend’s 200m milestone. But the 0.12-second difference turned out to be an eternity. After the London Diamond League, he is still 0.23 seconds away from the 100m. So in a situation like this, praise from the maestro himself is motivation enough. Usain Bolt, however, does not see Noah as his successor.

The eight-time Olympic champion isn’t even ready to count on a Jamaican athlete to break his records. Instead, to everyone’s surprise, Bolt named an American sprinter who has the spark to move forward.

Usain Bolt can’t remember the name, but he does remember the achievement

In the brand new season of The Obi One Podcast, Usain Bolt spoke to hosts John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy about his achievements and personal facts. With the Paris Olympics fast approaching, the conversation turned to Bolt’s track records, which are out of this world. Interestingly, his double event records since the 2009 World Athletics Championships still stand and he doesn’t see anyone in the current generation who can beat them in one go. But he did mention one name that made a big impression on him. “I think he ran 19.40 or something and he’s still, he’s probably only 20. So he was pretty good.”Bolt only discussed the athlete’s performance, forgetting to remember the identity. However, when he talked about “Knight of States,” it all added up.

In reality, Usain Bolt was referring to Erriyon Knighton, the 20-year-old athlete from the United States. Fans won’t have to wait much longer to get a glimpse of his prowess, as Erriyon will be making a splash at the Paris Olympics in the 200-meter event. In recent years, the event has become his trademark. By demonstrating his prowess in the event, the footballer-turned-athlete impressed Bolt to the point that the latter took his name, ignoring Noah Lyles or Kishane Thompson as his successor. Erriyon Knighton’s athletic display is one of amazement and could prove to be a force to be reckoned with by Bolt.

On April 30, 2022, 17-year-old Erriyon Knighton ran the 200m at LSU Bernie Moore Stadium in 19.49 seconds. For reference, Bolt’s best time was 19.93 seconds at 17. Bolt eventually managed 19.75 seconds at 20, while Erriyon’s best effort at that age is 19.77 seconds, just 0.02 seconds behind. If that doesn’t put him in the spotlight, there’s another fact worth investigating.

Between the ages of 17 and 18, Erriyon Knighton shaved a full 0.35 seconds off his 200m performance, which Usain Bolt had not been able to do. Such feats may have impressed the legend. But not only Bolt, Erriyon’s prowess also caught the attention of Noah Lyles.

Noah Lyles speaks highly of his American rival

This year, Noah Lyles set the world’s best time in the 200m at the U.S. Olympic Trials (19.53 seconds). That timing allowed him to qualify for the Paris Olympics. He was then chased down by Erriyon Knighton, finishing in third place with 19.77 seconds, while Kenny Bednarek remained in second place. This position has become a mainstay in the 200m event in recent years. At the 2022 Oregon World Athletics Championships, these American sprinters won the 200m event with the same ranking as this year’s Olympic Trials. So while hanging around names like that, Erriyon Knighton has become consistent.

The Florida-born athlete has confirmed this fact. In one of his interviews with the Associated Press, he said, “I like (the rivalry) because I know every time we step on the court we’re going to bring out the best in each other.” Meanwhile, Noah Lyles couldn’t ignore the competition that Erriyon brought, being the youngest of the group. “I see him as a child. But he is also a rival,” as he admitted about the latter. Now the duo will meet in Paris, with an eye on the 200m gold. Noah has the brutal pace to hold off his opponents. But now Erriyon Knighton has the support of the legend.