Noah Lyles takes tentative steps into Usain Bolt's big shoes

 

Noah Lyles takes tentative steps into Usain Bolt's big shoes

The USA's Noah Lyles became the first man to achieve a world championships sprint double since Usain Bolt in 2015 (Antonin THUILLIER)

The departure of Usain Bolt into his well-deserved retirement in 2017 left a gaping hole at the heart of track and field.

The Jamaican sprinter left having won 11 world and eight Olympic golds, but now, six years later, it looks as if a rightful successor has emerged: Noah Lyles.

The American, excitable and increasingly outspoken, is hardly a new face on the blocks -- the 26-year-old is currently is in his eighth year as a professional having signed with Adidas the year before Bolt retired.

But after clinching a memorable 100m/200m double plus gold after anchoring the US team to glory in the 4x100m relay at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Lyles looks ready to bring track back into the wider public consciousness.

"I wanted to show I am different. I came out and showed it. I am double champion," Lyles said.

"Usain Bolt has done it and him saying to me that he sees what I am doing and he respects it, it is amazing."

Lyles, who became just the fifth sprinter to claim a world sprint double, a feat last claimed by Bolt in 2015, added: "I am ready to transcend the sport.