'He wouldn't call me up for a weekend hangout' - Noah Lyles reveals honest relationship with Fred Kerley.

'He wouldn't call me up for a weekend hangout' - Noah Lyles reveals honest relationship with Fred Kerley.

Mark Kinyanjui 19:01 - 13.11.2024

Noah Lyles has opened up on his relationship with Fred Kerley after the 2022 100-meter world champion bluntly stated he 'doesn't f**k with Lyles'

The rivalry between American sprint stars Noah Lyles and Fred Kerley has fueled exciting showdowns on the track and captured fans' attention, especially following the recent Paris 2024 Olympics. 

Lyles, who took the gold in the Olympic 100 meters in a thrilling race, narrowly bested Kerley, who claimed his second consecutive Olympic bronze in the event. 

In a recent interview, Lyles reflected on their distinct personalities and the competitive nature of their relationship, offering a rare glimpse into the dynamics between the two sprinting powerhouses.

In 2022, Kerley won the 100m world title on home soil in Eugene, Oregon, solidifying his place among the elite sprinters. However, Lyles quickly asserted himself on the global stage, winning the 100m title at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, adding another layer to their already intense rivalry.

 Netflix’s recent documentary series Sprint has further spotlighted the rivalry by providing a behind-the-scenes look at the journey leading to the Budapest championships, where Kerley experienced a surprising exit in the semi-finals.

The two athletes, despite sharing a deep respect for each other's skill, are not exactly close friends. Kerley, known for his no-nonsense approach, expressed his frustration with Lyles’ extroverted style.

 "That is Noah’s style; he does it for attention. I don’t do nothin’ for attention," Kerley stated on Sprint. "This is why you see me 24/7. I run track and go about my business. 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, famous for his vibrant personality, agreed with Kerley's assessment, acknowledging their differences.

 "Fred and I are very different. I am very open about my emotions; he is not. Fred is that very much quiet personality," Lyles explained. He added that their relationship doesn’t extend into their personal lives. "He is not calling me up like, 'Hey, you wanna go out for the weekend?' That is not our relationship," Lyles said, emphasizing that they don’t socialize outside of track events.

This on-track rivalry recently intensified when Kerley made it clear he doesn’t appreciate Lyles’ public comments about him. During an Instagram Live, Kerley stated that Lyles should keep his name out of the conversation or risk igniting a more personal conflict. 

"Noah can’t do that to me—like, no disrespect to him, but I would have slapped the sh*t out of him. He can’t talk sh*t to me like that’s the blatant truth," Kerley said, adding that he only tolerates such comments from athletes he considers close, such as Trayvon Bromell.

 "Like Trayvon and all those guys talk st cause I f**k with them, that’s a different story. I don’t f**k with Noah, it’s as simple as that."

While Lyles has earned recognition as the current fastest American in the 200m and claimed three gold medals in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay at the Budapest World Championships, Kerley remains a fierce contender.

 He took the 100m gold at the 2022 World Championships and won bronze in the 100m at the Paris Olympics, maintaining his reputation as one of the world’s most consistent sprinters.

As both Lyles and Kerley prepare for the 2025 season, fans can expect the rivalry to continue, with each athlete striving to solidify their place among the legends of sprinting. 

Their contrasting styles and fierce competitiveness promise thrilling races and intense moments, highlighting the compelling story of two sprint stars united by their drive yet divided by their approaches.

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