Olympic Legend Carl Lewis Didn't Hold Back When Asked About Noah Lyles

Noah Lyles took care of business in the 100 meter final on Sunday, narrowly claiming gold with a photo-finish victory over Jamaican sprinter Kishane Thompson. Now, the American Olympian is turning his attention toward the 200 meter and 4x100 relay with the hopes of adding two more Olympic gold medals to his collection.

Lyles' electrifying personality, demeanor and talent make him one of the sport's biggest stars. And according to Track legend Carl Lewis, the 27-year-old American is just the right person to hold the title of "fastest man in the world."

"I think the sport needs someone like him that’s a champion. He’s the defending champion, the fastest man in the world right now, and we need someone to grab onto. I think he’s the perfect guy to do that, and I’m excited about that," Lewis said in a recent interview with Fox News Digital.

"I think track does better when we do have a superstar," Lewis continued. "That’s why I think if Noah were to win, he would elevate the sport as well. As opposed to saying ‘I wonder who’s going to win,’ people want to say ‘I want him’ or ‘I don’t want him.’ They want to root for someone, or root against someone. I think it creates more intensity when you have someone that dominates, and that’s been throughout history…. People have really gravitated to the sport when people really dominated more."

Lewis is a nine-time Olympic gold medalist, claiming Olympic titles in the 100m, 200m, 4x100 relay and long jump.

Lyles will compete in the sixth heat of first-round 200m qualifying at 1:55 p.m. ET on Monday.

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