Just misunderstood? Tebogo explains viral Noah Lyles 'arrogance' talk

Olympic Champions Letsile Tebogo and Noah Lyles.

Just misunderstood? Tebogo explains viral Noah Lyles 'arrogance' talk

Stephen Awino 11:40 - 03.04.2025

Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo has opened up on the dynamics of his relationship with his American track rival Noah Lyles.

Botswana's sprinting sensation, Letsile Tebogo, has addressed the remarks he made about Noah Lyles following his victory in the 200m final at the Paris Olympics.

In 2024, after dethroning the American sprinter, Tebogo made headlines with a statement that some perceived as a jab at Lyles' personality.

Tebogo's remarkable 19.46-second sprint in Paris not only secured him the Olympic gold but also etched his name among the fastest men in history.

The performance placed Tebogo as the fifth-fastest man ever in the event.

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Coming into the race, Lyles was widely regarded as the favorite, having already secured multiple world titles in the 200m.

He had set his sights on following in the footsteps of Jamaican sprint icon Usain Bolt to claim both the 100m and 200m Olympic golds.

However, after finishing third in the final, Lyles was seen being taken away in a wheelchair, later revealing he had been battling COVID-19.

It was during the post-race press conference that Tebogo made a statement that caught attention.

When asked about becoming the face of athletics, he responded that he could not take on that role because he was not "an arrogant or loud person like Noah."

The comment sparked debate, with some interpreting it as a dig at Lyles' outspoken personality.

Now, months later, Tebogo has clarified his words, emphasizing that there is no bad blood between him and Lyles.

"When you step onto the track, it's all business," Tebogo explained as quoted by Sky Sports.

"But once the race is over, friendships remain, and life moves on. The ‘arrogance’—he’s good at selling the sport. As for me, I tend to shy away from that kind of thing because that’s just who I am," said Tebogo.

With an action-packed athletics calendar, Lyles is expected to attempt to reclaim his dominance in the 200m, and Tebogo is fully aware of the challenge ahead.

When asked about handling the pressure of being a reigning Olympic champion, he remained level-headed.

"Everyone in the lineup is a rival," he stated.

"You can't count anyone out just because they didn’t perform well in 2023 or 2024. Every year brings new goals, fresh starts, and new challenges," he added.

"On the track, it’s competition, but off the track, we’re all human at the end of the day."

As the rivalry between Tebogo and Lyles continues to unfold, fans can expect more electrifying battles in the 200m, with both sprinters determined to leave their mark on the sport.