Olympics - lifetime vs personal best ?

Question

Hi, I have been watching the Olympics and sometimes the commentators refer to an athlete's *lifetime* best and sometimes their *personal* best - can anyone tell me what the difference is ? Thanks !

Answer 1

I don't think there is a difference, I think they just don't like to sound repetitive.

Otherwise, I think that it means that a personal best is the achievement of running (example sport) separately or training and the lifetime best is the best of all track races or all races done in their lifetime.

PB - I think can also refer to the one season they played etc.

Answer 2

They're the same thing

Answer 3

Lifetime best sounds more dramatic. :p