Noah Lyles has been a dominant force in track and field, making headlines with his bold declaration of aiming for four gold medals at the Paris Olympics. While such confidence could have made the competition seem one-sided, the emergence of Kishane Thompson brought excitement to the showdown. Their rivalry, reflective of the long-standing US-Jamaica competition in sprinting, captivated fans worldwide.
Coming into Paris, there were doubts surrounding Lyles’ form despite his 9.83-second win at the US trials. Some even labeled his times as “slow.” However, on race day, Lyles silenced critics by claiming the 100m gold in a dramatic finish. His duel with Thompson, who clocked an identical 9.79 seconds, ended with Lyles taking the victory by a photo finish.
In a recent podcast, Lyles revealed how Thompson’s energetic pre-race antics fueled his performance. Thompson’s intense roar, likened to a scene from Dragon Ball Z, motivated Lyles to tap into his own energy reserves. Guided by his coach’s advice to engage with the crowd, Lyles hyped up the spectators, energizing himself and solidifying his confidence. One observer noted that the moment Lyles rallied the crowd, it was evident he was destined to win.
While Lyles celebrated his victory, he faced mixed reactions for embracing the title of “world’s fastest man.” Critics pointed out that Usain Bolt’s world records of 9.58 seconds in the 100m and 19.19 seconds in the 200m remain untouched. In response to the backlash, Lyles clarified that while he holds the title of Olympic champion, Bolt’s legacy as the fastest man in history remains unchallenged. He praised Bolt as “untouchable,” recognizing the Jamaican legend’s unparalleled achievements.
As Lyles basks in his Olympic triumph, his rivals are gearing up to challenge him in the upcoming season. Maintaining his momentum will be crucial if he hopes to solidify his place among sprinting’s elite.