'He does it for attention' - Fred Kerley and Noah Lyles open up about their rivalry & contrasting personalities

'He does it for attention' - Fred Kerley and Noah Lyles open up about their rivalry & contrasting personalities

Mark Kinyanjui 07:17 - 22.08.2024

Fred Kerley and Noah Lyles have opened up about their rivarly, as well as the contrasting differences in their personalities.

American sprint stars Fred Kerley and Noah Lyles have recently shed light on their relationship, both on and off the track, as they continue their seasons following the Paris 2024 Olympics. 

Lyles, who clinched the gold medal in the 100 meters in a dramatic race, edged out Kerley, who had to settle for a bronze medal for the second consecutive Olympic Games.

The rivalry between the two sprinters has been well-documented. Kerley won the 100m world title in 2022 on home soil in Eugene, Oregon, while Lyles, who added the 100m to his repertoire in 2023, secured the title at the World Championships in Budapest. 

Their journeys have been featured extensively on Netflix’s new sprinting series, Sprint, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at the build-up to the athletes' campaigns in Budapest, where Kerley faced a disappointing exit in the semi-final stage.

Despite their mutual respect as competitors, both athletes have acknowledged that they are not exactly close friends. In the series, Kerley appeared to criticise Lyles' tendency to seek attention in front of the camera, contrasting it with his own reserved demeanor.

"That is Noah’s style; he does it for attention. I don’t do nothin’ for attention. This is why you see me 24/7. I run track and go about my business," Kerley stated on Sprint.

 "I ain’t come here to tease the camera. It is cool if he does it, but I am here to run fast, to kill you, bash your head, and go about my business."

Lyles, who is known for his outgoing and expressive personality, seemed to agree with Kerley's assessment. He acknowledged that their contrasting approaches stem from their different personalities.

"Fred and I are very different. I am very open about my emotions; he is not. Fred is that very much quiet personality," said Lyles.

“He is not calling me up like, 'Hey, you wanna go out for the weekend?'" Lyles shared. "That is not our relationship."

While the two may not share a close personal bond, their rivalry on the track is one of mutual respect and fierce competition.

 As they continue to push each other to new heights, fans can expect more thrilling races and captivating stories from these two sprinting powerhouses.

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