When thinking about American sprinting dominance in 2025, Noah Lyles is often the first name that comes to mind. However, Christian Coleman, one of the fastest men in America, is quietly emerging as a significant contender. At just 29, Coleman has already established a legacy with his blistering speed, notably recording a personal best of 9.76 seconds in the 100m at the 2019 World Championships in Doha, making him the sixth-fastest man in history for the event.
Coleman is also a key player in the 4x100m relay. His explosive starts and smooth baton exchanges have solidified his role in Team USA. At the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, Coleman posted a season’s best of 9.88 seconds in the 100m semi-finals but finished fifth in the final with 9.92 seconds, behind Lyles’ winning 9.83 seconds. However, Coleman played a pivotal role in the 4x100m relay, where he helped the U.S. claim gold with a time of 37.38 seconds. Looking ahead to the 2025 World Championships, the big question is whether Coleman can surpass Lyles to become the dominant sprinter.
The 2025 World Championships in Tokyo present a crucial opportunity for Coleman to cement his legacy. The men’s 4x100m relay final, which will be the last race of the event, offers Coleman a chance to achieve legendary status. He has already proven his mettle by competing in the Olympics in 2016 and winning gold in the 4x100m relay at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest. But Tokyo could be his chance to join the ranks of the greatest sprinters ever. Coleman is known for his remarkable speed, having once run the 60m in 6.34 seconds in 2018, a record at the time. With his relay skills and immense speed, Coleman is well-positioned to help Team USA secure another medal, possibly matching the legacy of Usain Bolt.
As for Bolt, Coleman is inching closer to his record of World Championship medals in the 4x100m relay. As of April 9, 2025, Coleman has already won four medals in the relay at the World Championships. If he wins another medal in Tokyo, he will match Bolt’s record of five World Championship medals in the 4x100m relay. Achieving this would place Coleman alongside Bolt as one of the all-time greats in the relay. Bolt, who was part of the Jamaican team that set the world record in the 4x100m relay at the 2012 London Olympics with a time of 36.84 seconds, remains a legend in the event.
Coleman has already claimed gold in the 4x100m relay, proving he can deliver when it matters most. His performance at the 2018 World Indoor Championships, where he set a 60m world record with a time of 6.34 seconds, further illustrates his potential. If Coleman wins a fifth relay medal in Tokyo, he will join Bolt in a rarefied group of sprinters. This could be a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing his determination and talent.
But Coleman isn’t the only athlete aiming to make history in Tokyo. Other sprinters like Nesta Carter from Jamaica and Marlon Devonish from Great Britain are also vying for recognition. Carter, who was a part of the Jamaican team with Bolt that set the world record in the 4x100m relay, has won four World Championship medals in the event. Although Carter retired in 2017 after a doping violation stripped him of his 2008 Olympic gold medal, his legacy remains significant. At 39, Carter will be watching closely as Coleman attempts to match Bolt’s five-medal record in the relay.
Marlon Devonish, a retired British sprinter who also has four World Championship relay medals, is another legend in the mix. Devonish, who contributed to Great Britain’s surprise victory in the 4x100m relay at the 2004 Athens Olympics, is regarded as one of the best relay runners. Now 48 and retired, Devonish’s legacy continues to inspire sprinters like Coleman, who are striving to replicate such success.
As Coleman heads toward Tokyo with his eye on history, the track world is eagerly awaiting whether he can surpass his predecessors and match Bolt’s remarkable career achievements. Whether Coleman can dethrone Lyles as America’s top sprinter and solidify his place in sprinting history remains to be seen, but his speed, determination, and drive put him in a strong position to do so.