'I beat everyone I touch' - Noah Lyles aims more digs at Jamaican fans over Kishane Thompson and Co's threat at Paris Olympics

'I beat everyone I touch' - Noah Lyles aims more digs at Jamaican fans over Kishane Thompson and Co's threat at Paris Olympics

Mark Kinyanjui 15:00 - 29.07.2024

Noah Lyles has sparked more controversy with his comments over Kishane Thompson, Oblique Seville and other Jamaican sprinters just days after being accussed of exploiting his relationship with Junelle Bromfield.

Noah Lyles has sparked more controversy amongst Jamaican fans after seemingly rubbishing the threat of Kishane Thompson, Oblique Seville and other Jamaican sprinters at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.

Lyles, buoyed by his recent victory, remains undeterred by Thompson, who has clocked the fastest time of the year with 9.77 seconds in Kingston. 

"I beat everyone that I touch," Lyles confidently declared in an interview with AFP. "I don't see why the Jamaicans are any different. This is what I pray for, this is what I live for, and I back myself up, don't I?"

His comments have not been well received by Jamaican fans, especially in light of recent controversies involving his relationship with Jamaican athlete Junelle Bromfield.

 A leaked video has fueled criticism from Jamaican supporters, who accuse Bromfield of disclosing internal matters of the MVP Track Club, where she previously trained under coach Stephen Francis.

 Lyles has admitted that Bromfield provides him with insider information about the team, further inflaming the situation.

Despite the backlash, Lyles continues to build on his momentum from a remarkable 2023 season. 

At the World Championships in Budapest, he clinched treble gold in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay. This achievement earned him the title of "absolute rock star" from World Athletics president Sebastian Coe and secured a lucrative contract renewal with Adidas, reportedly the largest since Usain Bolt's deal with Puma.

Lyles' performance and personality have been highlighted in Netflix's "Sprint," which showcases his confidence and drive. "You have to have the mindset of a god," Lyles declared in the series. "I'm a true believer that the moment isn't bigger than me; the moment was made for me."

His bold approach has also stirred debate beyond the track, especially among NBA players and fans, after he questioned their claims to be "world champions." Nevertheless, Lyles remains focused on his goal for Paris, where he aims to improve on his Tokyo 2020 performance, where he secured a bronze medal in the 200m.

"That bronze still burns a hole in my chest," Lyles admitted. "I will be carrying it around during Paris just to remind me that this is not the color we are coming back with."

Having battled chronic asthma as a child, Lyles remains determined and confident as he heads into the Paris Olympics.

 "I know exactly where I am ahead of Paris," he said. "The more eyes on me, the better I perform, or at least that's what my therapist says. When the TV cameras are on me and people are there, I am not losing."

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