In a world where athletes’ every word is dissected by fans and media, it’s no surprise that Noah Lyles’ recent remarks on what defines a “world champion” in sports made waves. Lyles, the American sprinter and multiple-time world champion, recently questioned why American sports leagues, particularly the NBA, refer to their champions as “world champions” when the competition is limited to teams within the United States. This perspective, though controversial to some, resonated deeply with those who compete internationally. As criticism from American sports fans and athletes alike poured in, Lyles found support from two prominent figures in the track and field world: Jamaican sprint legend Asafa Powell and former Jamaican-Canadian sprinter Donavan Bailey. Both Powell and Bailey, champions in their own right, spoke out in defense of Lyles’ comments, applauding him for raising a conversation about what it means to truly compete on a global stage.
Noah Lyles’ comments came during a press conference at the World Athletics Championships, following a successful run that cemented his status as one of the fastest men on the planet. After securing his titles, Lyles addressed the concept of a “world champion,” expressing his view that this title should be reserved for those who compete and succeed on a global scale, not just within a single national league. “You know, the thing that hurts me the most is that I have to watch the NBA Finals and they have ‘world champion’ on their head,” Lyles said. “World champion of what? The United States?” His words quickly circulated across social media, sparking an intense debate.
American athletes, especially those in team sports, reacted strongly. Many argued that leagues like the NBA and MLB attract top talent from around the world, effectively making them the most competitive stages for their respective sports. Players like Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, and Devin Booker took to social media, defending the idea that the NBA is the pinnacle of basketball. They argued that the best players worldwide aspire to play in the NBA, which justifies the term “world champion” for its titleholders. For them, the NBA’s global appeal and competitive depth validate the label.
However, for athletes who compete in track and field or other individual sports with established global competitions, Lyles’ point resonated on a different level. For these athletes, a world championship means facing competitors from multiple countries under a single set of rules, all representing their homelands. This distinction reflects a sense of national pride and the weight of truly representing the “world” in sports. To defend this perspective and support Lyles, both Asafa Powell and Donavan Bailey stepped forward, sharing their own insights as former world champions on the international stage.
Powell, who held the 100m world record before Usain Bolt, praised Lyles for speaking up about the unique nature of world championships in athletics. Powell noted that for sprinters, the title of “world champion” holds deep significance because it represents a victory over athletes from every corner of the globe, competing head-to-head on a level playing field. “Noah is right to talk about this because being a world champion means you’ve beaten the best from around the world, not just from one country,” Powell said in a recent interview. “In track, when we line up, it’s the fastest from Jamaica, the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Kenya—all over. That’s what world champion means to us.”
Powell’s perspective reflects the pride that comes with earning a title at events like the World Championships or the Olympics, where athletes not only represent themselves but also their nations. For him, Lyles’ point highlights the honor of competing in a truly global arena. Powell acknowledged that while leagues like the NBA are highly competitive, they don’t capture the same international scope as world championships in athletics. According to Powell, Lyles’ statement was not meant to undermine other sports but to emphasize the special meaning of “world champion” within the context of track and field.
Donavan Bailey, who won Olympic gold for Canada in the 100m and the 4x100m relay in 1996, also lent his voice to the discussion, defending Lyles’ comments as both fair and insightful. Bailey, known for his confident personality and willingness to speak his mind during his career, appreciated Lyles’ openness. He explained that Lyles was simply expressing the perspective of athletes who regularly compete at an international level, where the competition is not confined to one country or one league. “Noah’s not being disrespectful,” Bailey said. “He’s speaking from his experience as someone who’s raced against the best from every country, not just one. When we win, we’re beating the best from everywhere.”
Bailey, who witnessed the intensity of international competition firsthand, remarked that for track and field athletes, the title of “world champion” is deeply earned and carries an undeniable weight. To him, the word “world” implies diversity in competitors, an array of styles and strategies, and the challenge of racing against not only the best from one country but the best from every competing nation. He saw Lyles’ comments as a way to bring attention to the value and meaning of world championships in sports like athletics.
Both Powell and Bailey emphasized that Lyles’ comments were not a slight to athletes in leagues like the NBA or MLB. Instead, they saw his remarks as a reminder that sports operate in diverse environments, and different competitions carry unique meanings. Powell explained that for team sports in the U.S., especially leagues that attract top players worldwide, it’s natural to feel that their championships have global significance. But he argued that Lyles’ point wasn’t about diminishing that accomplishment—it was about highlighting the rarity and prestige of competing and winning on a stage where the entire world is represented.
Bailey also touched on the courage it takes for athletes like Lyles to voice their perspectives, especially when it challenges popular views. He praised Lyles for bringing a broader awareness to the conversation, noting that in today’s sports world, where leagues and competitions are increasingly globalized, it’s important to recognize both the similarities and differences in what “champion” means across various sports. “Noah’s putting something out there that a lot of us in track and field have thought about,” Bailey said. “It’s a different type of honor to win a world title in athletics, and it’s good that he’s speaking about it.”
The support from Powell and Bailey has amplified Lyles’ viewpoint, adding context from athletes who understand the pressures and significance of competing internationally. Their words underscore a key element in the debate: that different sports can embody the term “world champion” in unique ways. For leagues like the NBA, which have achieved worldwide popularity and draw talent from around the globe, being a “world champion” may feel entirely valid. Yet for track and field athletes who compete on a literal world stage, the concept carries a different weight, one tied to representing their countries and competing against the best from across the planet.
As the discussion around Lyles’ comments continues, his supporters hope it will lead to a broader understanding of the nuances in global sports competition. The perspectives of athletes like Powell and Bailey serve as a reminder that sports can be both nationally and globally defined, and that the value of a championship can vary based on the scope and nature of the competition.
In the end, Lyles, Powell, and Bailey represent a world of athletes who cherish the opportunity to compete against the best from everywhere, not just from one league or one country. Their defense of Lyles’ comments suggests that there’s room for dialogue in the sports world—dialogue that respects different definitions of greatness while recognizing the shared excellence that all athletes, regardless of their sport, strive to achieve.