Noah Lyles has explained why he lost to Oblique Seville at the Racers Grand Prix but vowed never to let it happen again on a global stage like the Olympics or World Championships.
Noah Lyles has explained why he lost the men’s 100m race to Oblique Seville at the Racers Grand Prix and why he would never let that happen again on a global stage.
Oblique Seville handed Noah Lyles his first defeat of the season in Jamaica and many track and field enthusiasts were left in a state of shock following the triple world champion’s loss. Seville crossed the finish line first in a time of 9.82 seconds as the American sprint king was forced to finish second in 9.85 seconds.
In an interview with USA Track and Field, Noah Lyles explained that even before the race, he knew Seville would beat him. The reigning Olympic 100m champion noted that he usually studies his competitors and by now, he knows most of their weaknesses and strengths.
16:50 - 08.10.2024
Valuable contribution! Australian race walker thrilled after bagging major BBC award
Australian race walke Rhydian Cowley was over the moon after being named the Green ‘World Athlete of the Year' for her work climate change.
Following his defeat to Oblique Seville, Noah Lyles defended himself, noting that running in a local meet is different from running a global championship like the Olympic Games and World Championships. However, he vowed to never let that happen again.
“I study my competitors, I knew that man was going to be ready for that race, don’t get me wrong, I was ready, but he was obviously more ready on that day. But I’ll tell you what, there’s a difference between running in Jamaica and running at the Olympics. I’ve seen how you handle your rounds, I study my competitors, I know what your weakness is, I know what your strengths are, I’ll be ready,” Noah Lyles said.
Going into the Paris Olympic Games, Lyles showed up and out in the men’s 100m final, beating a strong field to take the win. He beat Kishane Thompson and Fred Kerley to second and third place respectively.
However, the 200m was challenging for him as he was forced to settle for third place behind Letsile Tebogo and Kenny Bednarek. He later claimed that he tested positive for COVID hence the dismal show. Noah Lyles closed his season after the Olympic Games, noting that he will be back, bigger and better in 2025.