Sprint Legend on How Superstar Athletes Like Faith Kipyegon, Noah Lyles, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Can Popularise Track and Field

Retired Trinadian sprinter Ato Boldon has praised the growing crop of charismatic athletes transforming the face of track and field, highlighting Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon, Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce  and American star Noah Lyles as perfect examples of how personalities can help the sport reach new audiences.

Speaking in a recent interview on Justin Gatlin’s Ready Set Go podcast, the retired sprint icon said that while records and times are crucial, what truly connects fans to the sport are athletes who express emotion, passion, and individuality both on and off the track.

“I would love to have ten more Tara Davis-Woodhalls, five more Noahs — athletes whose personalities stand out,” he said

. “People want to root for competitors who bring energy, who smile, who make you feel something when they run.”

Jamaican legend Fraser-Pryce recently retired after helping her country clinch silver in the women’s 4 by 100 meter relay at the Tokyo World Championships.

Boldon, who has become an award-winning broadcaster, believes Fraser-Pryce’s  humility and joy, coupled with her world record-breaking dominance, have made her one of the most beloved figures in global athletics, and she should transition to TV to help pull more crowds to the sport.

He described her impact as “magnetic,” pointing to how fans respond to her warmth and grace every time she races.

“There are people who might not even understand everything Shelly says in interviews, but they love her — she smiles, she’s happy, and every time she steps on the track, you want to cheer for her,” he added.

The sprint legend also credited Lyles for bringing fresh energy to the sport through his confidence and entertainment-driven approach, which resonates with younger audiences.

“Numbers, facts, and times are fine, but when the crowd connects with an athlete, that’s what drives track and field forward,” he said. “We need more of that — people who bring life, who make you want to watch.”

Reflecting on recent events, he mentioned Kipyegon’s world record run as one of the most powerful moments in modern athletics.

“When Faith set that world record, the crowd was electric — the loudest I’ve heard since the Paris Olympic Games. That’s what this sport needs — energy, emotion, and connection.”

The sprint great concluded that the future of track and field depends not only on fast times but also on the athletes’ ability to tell stories, show emotion, and build global fanbases through authenticity.

“The more personalities we have in this sport, the better. That’s what can truly make track and field thrive again.”