Usain Bolt says he 'won't worry' about Noah Lyles breaking his records until one thing happens

Noah Lyles has made no secret of his ambition to break Usain Bolt's records in the 100m and 200m.

The Jamaican icon is athletics royalty after winning nine Olympic gold medals and 11 World Championship golds in a glittering career.

Despite the fact he retired in 2017, Bolt still holds the records in his two primary events, but Lyles – the reigning Olympic 100m champion – is eying both.

However, in a 2019 interview with Sports Illustrated, Bolt insisted he won't fear Lyles until the flamboyant American star has ticked off two milestones he hasn't yet hit.

Usain Bolt celebrates setting a new 100m world record in 2009. Image: Getty

"Let’s run through some of those young kids right now. The first one is Noah Lyles, the 22-year-old who has run 19.50 for 200 meters. ... What impresses you about him?" Bolt was asked.

"For me, it’s his sheer power," the Jamaican icon responded. "I think he has a lot to learn when it comes to corner running but I think he shows a lot of power and drive. That’s one thing I respect about him.

"He’s a character and the sport needs that. I explain it to a lot of guys that people like to see personality and who you are not just as a runner."

Then the interviewer asked Bolt about the prospect of Lyles breaking his long-standing world records.

"He’s run 19.5 and he’s getting up there on the all-time list," the interviewer said. "He now sits as the fourth-fastest ever. At what point would you start to get nervous? What time would he have to run to be like, ‘I have to watch out for this kid?'"

"I know it’s important for people to talk about world records," Bolt said. "World records come and go. For me, I hope he doesn’t get it very soon (laughs). It’s been there for a while and hopefully it can last a couple more years. I look forward to seeing the next youngster breaking world records and running fast because it’s good for the sport.

"People are always trying to focus on times. I was focused on the championships. That’s what made me who I am and made me great.

"For me, yes, it’s good to run fast but at the end of the day, you should always focus on getting to the Olympics, winning, getting to the world championships and doing the same. I’m not going to be too stressed.

"When he wins his first Olympics and then a second one, that’s when I’ll start to worry."

After winning gold in Paris last year, Lyles is halfway there.