Lyles Joins 3 Sprint Legends With World Championship Triple Crowns

• Noah Lyles is only the fourth sprinter to reach a hat-trick of gold medals at the World Championships
• The outspoken American star joins the company of Usain Bolt and two other legendary sprint kings
• Lyles scooped victories in the 100-metre, 200m, and 4x100m relay in a stunning display in Hungary

Noah Lyles solidified his legacy with a remarkable performance at the recently concluded World Athletics Championships held in Budapest, Hungary.

The charismatic American sprinter achieved an extraordinary feat of three gold medals after victories in the 100-metre, 200m, and 4x100m relay events.

In the lead-up to the 2023 World Athletics Championships in the European country, Lyles had meticulously outlined his ambitions for the competition.

He expressed unwavering confidence in his ability to claim three gold medals in Budapest, a promise he fulfilled with exceptional prowess.

"There is what I will accept, and then there’s what my greatest expectation is. What I will accept is grabbing a medal in the 100m, whatever color, and winning the 200m. My greatest aspiration is that I will grab three golds, [and] gain a world record in the 200m,” Lyles said via NBC Sports.

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Athletics

Although the 26-year-old's performance was truly remarkable, he is not alone in reaching such extraordinary heights.

The American joins the prestigious company of iconic athletes who have achieved similar feats.

Sports Brief looks at the exclusive group of sprinters who have accomplished the remarkable feat of winning the World Championship sprint 'Triple Crown'.

1. Maurice Greene - 1999

The seventh World Athletics Championships took place at the Estadio Olímpico de la Cartuja in Seville, Spain, spanning from August 20 to August 29 in 1999.

During this event, Maurice Greene etched his name among the all-time greats by setting a world record of 9.79 seconds in the 100m, as reported by USATF.

1999 marked a significant turning point in Greene's career. He achieved remarkable success at the World Outdoor Championships, securing three gold medals in the 100m, 200m, and the 4x100m relay.

The American clinched the 100m gold with a time of 9.80 seconds, completed the 200m in 19.90 seconds, and anchored the United States 4x100m relay team, which crossed the finish line in a swift 37.59 seconds.

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Athletics

2. Tyson Gay - 2007

As reported by ESPN, Tyson Gay, a triple world champion, holds the distinction of being the second-fastest man in history and the fastest American ever.

Starting in 2006, he consistently shattered the 10-second barrier in the 100m sprint. His exceptional form continued into 2007 when he achieved a remarkable feat at the World Championships in Osaka.

Gay blazed to victory in the 100m with a time of 9.85 seconds, establishing a new championship record. In the 200m, he clocked an impressive 19.76 seconds, defeating none other than Usain Bolt.

Adding to his triumphant run, the American also secured a gold medal in the 4x100m relay final, providing the perfect finishing touch to his outstanding performance.

3. Usain Bolt - 2009, 2013, 2015

In an awe-inspiring display of athleticism, Usain Bolt shattered the 100m world record with an astonishing time of 9.58 seconds at the 2009 World Athletics Championships held in Berlin.

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Athletics

During the same event, the Jamaican sprinter clinched gold by completing the 200m race in a remarkable 19.19 seconds, surpassing his previous record of 19.30 seconds set at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Bolt added to his impressive haul by securing another gold medal in the 4x100m relay.

He replicated this remarkable achievement at the 2013 World Athletics Championships in Moscow, where he once again triumphed in the 100m (9.77 seconds), 200m (19.66 seconds), and the 4x100m relay (37.36 seconds).

In a truly exceptional feat, the legendary sprinter achieved a three-peat of his Berlin and Moscow successes in Beijing, winning gold in the 100m (9.79 seconds), 200m (19.55 seconds), and the 4x100m relay (37.36 seconds).

4. Noah Lyles - 2023

The 26-year-old played a pivotal role by anchoring the U.S. quartet, which included Christian Coleman, Fred Kerley, and Brandon Carnes, to secure the gold medal in the men's 4x100m relay final.

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Athletics

Prior to this relay triumph, he had already claimed the gold medal in the 100 meters, clocking a remarkable 9.83 seconds on August 20 to earn himself the well-deserved title of 'the fastest man alive'.

Just five days later, following his victory in the men’s 100-meter event at the World Athletics Championships, Lyles achieved an extraordinary feat that no sprinter had accomplished since Usain Bolt in 2015.

He dominated the 200 meters, crossing the finish line in a commanding 19.52 seconds, Team USA reports.

NBA stars slam Lyles for 'world champion' comment

Sports Brief also reported on Lyles proving to be the highlight of the recently concluded 2023 World Athletics Championships for his performances - and his comments.

The outspoken American triple crown winner had called out the NBA teams for calling themselves world champions, with his remarks not going down well with basketball stars.