Noah Lyles, the reigning Olympic 100m champion, has expressed his confidence in his status as the top contender in the 200m, despite the rise of emerging sprinters like Letsile Tebogo. Lyles revealed in a recent interview that he was not surprised by Tebogo’s exceptional performances this season, stating that it was only a matter of time before the young sprinter from Botswana hit his stride. Lyles anticipated Tebogo’s success, given the latter’s rapid growth and potential.
Lyles pointed out that the signs of Tebogo’s rising star were already evident at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, where Tebogo made history by becoming the first African to win a medal in the men’s 100m at a World Championships. He followed up that achievement with a bronze in the 200m, with Lyles securing gold in both the 100m and 200m. Lyles believes that athletes like Tebogo are bound to continue improving as they mature, and Tebogo’s performances in 2024 are a natural progression of his talent.
The American sprinter emphasized that he was not surprised by Tebogo’s speed and impressive times. According to Lyles, anyone who claims to be shocked by Tebogo’s performances likely doesn’t have a true understanding of track and field. Lyles had already observed Tebogo’s potential and had expected him to get faster with time. The athlete believes that as a sprinter, it is common for athletes to continue to evolve, and Tebogo’s rise was simply the next step in his development.
While acknowledging Tebogo’s achievements, Lyles also made it clear that he sees himself as the dominant force in the 200m. Despite his accomplishments, Lyles is still highly motivated to push forward, setting new goals, and achieving more. He noted that the 200m, although a technical and challenging event, often doesn’t get the recognition it deserves compared to the 100m. Lyles shared his frustration with how often the 200m is overlooked, despite the success he has enjoyed in the event, including breaking the American record.
The American sprinter noted that the focus in the sprinting world is often on the 100m, with much of the spotlight directed at the title of “fastest man in the world.” He referenced Usain Bolt, who became one of the greatest sprinters in history largely due to his dominance in the 100m, even though he was also an exceptional 200m runner. Lyles, however, believes the 200m holds significant value and that it should not be disregarded.
Lyles expressed his dissatisfaction with how the 200m is perceived within the track and field community, even after he broke the American record. Despite his achievements, he noted that winning in the 200m does not seem to garner the same level of attention as the 100m. He recounted how, after setting the American record in the 200m, he was passed over for the prestigious Athlete of the Year award, which instead went to pole vault star Mondo Duplantis. Lyles attributed this to the fact that the 100m is often viewed as the more exciting and marketable event, as it crowns the “fastest man in the world.”
Nevertheless, Lyles remains determined to continue his pursuit of excellence in the 200m. He is not deterred by the fact that the event might not be as glamorous as the 100m. With the World Championships and the Olympics on the horizon, Lyles is focused on securing his legacy as one of the best sprinters in history. Although the competition in the 200m is heating up with the rise of sprinters like Tebogo and the return of athletes such as Kenny Bednarek, Lyles is confident that he is still the man to beat.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, Lyles made it clear that he is not resting on his laurels. While the 200m may not always get the same attention as the 100m, Lyles is resolute in his quest for an Olympic title in the 200m, an achievement he still considers an important goal. He insists that to beat him in the 200m, competitors will have to prove themselves against him in the race, reinforcing his belief that he remains the top contender in the event. Despite the growing competition, Lyles is determined to continue dominating the 200m and solidify his place as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
