Criticism is still chasing Noah Lyles, and much of it is coming as the reaction to his words for the NBA players last year. The reigning Olympic champion wasn’t ready to accept NBA champions as ‘World champions’. Rather, he continued to breathe fire by saying, “World champion of what? The United States? Don’t get me wrong. I love the US at times but they ain’t the world.” The quick reactions against Lyles’ dig weren’t pleasing as the NBA fans left question marks on his achievements on the track. Now, almost a year later, it has come to haunt him again. 

Last evening, Noah Lyles was spotted at the US Open final in the women’s category, alongside Lewis Hamilton, enjoying the game. The charismatic duo could be seen sharing a lighter moment between them in the stands. However, several fans questioned Noah and Hamilton’s rare appearance, plus the graphic on the screen that said ‘7-time F1 World Champion’ under the legendary driver’s name. They adorned the stylish racer with flowery words, but there were only thorns for the sprinter.

One such comment showed up on Instagram, “Some fast dude and a world champion,” neglecting Lyles’ impressive title of being a six-time world champion. Furthermore, just a month ago, he collected his maiden Olympic gold at the marquee event of track in the men’s category—the 100m final. 

Yet, nothing made it into the discussion when the harsh words followed the 27-year-old for his appearance at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center last evening. However, Noah did not spell the same words this time after watching the women’s tennis final as he had done for the NBA champions last year. Rather, the Florida native looked to be overjoyed after watching the highly competitive tennis game between Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula. 

Meanwhile, before the game, he let slip some golden words regarding the status of the type of world champions. At the entry gate of the star-studded event, Noah Lyles said, “[Tennis players] are World Champions. International players that play against the top in the world constantly.”

But before that, he had a witty answer ready when the host questioned him about whether he would make any ‘crazy’ comments. Undoubtedly, that was aimed at the athlete’s jibe for the NBA championship winners last year. However, this time Noah sided himself carefully, not fueling any further debate. Rather, he laid out, “I don’t always have something crazy to say,” with a cheeky smile on his face. The attempt was clear, dousing the eruption that had started last year in a press conference after Lyles’ victory at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest. Nonetheless, he has tried to justify his comment during this timeline. 

In one of his media interviews, Noah said that the lack of national signs in the NBA finals had made him question their tag of being world champion. But his words last night stamp the reason why he was ready to call the tennis championship winners the world champions. However, several fans did not let the moment go without brandishing online attacks on him. 

Noah Lyles faces a similar brand of hate that he was shown last year, as the community disregards his achievements 

In one of his X-posts, Noah’s compatriot, Rai Benjamin, termed him an outspoken character. This feature could be one reason that drops Noah in the hot water several times. So a fan pointed out, “This running guy could learn a lot from Sir Lewis Hamilton on how to conduct himself and be a real champion!” Still, a tinge of criticism was present in the comment, and that targeted the athlete only, counting him without his titles. A similar one soon followed. 

This time, the comment came with making Noah’s aura minuscule enough in front of Lewis Hamilton that it could not be visible. So again the NBA jibe followed with the statement, “Who the dude on the left?” The answer wouldn’t soothe Noah, as it was again a deliberate attempt to normalize his numerous achievements. The concerned reaction was, “Just the fastest man in the world and Noah Lyles.”

Notably, this year, Lyles shared another statement regarding the fiasco from last year. Without biting his tongue, he said, “I thought it was funny!… It was just a bunch of whiny babies getting mad because I said they don’t compete on a world level. Everyone was in such a tizzy!” 

That resulted in a wildfire among the NBA fans. The rage is still burning that it brought a personal attack on his presence at the US Open final. One such comment emerged, “Son got a chin strap beard…. Don’t wanna hear nothing from that guy again lmfaoooo” But Noah Lyles remained firm on his point in calling the world champions.

Last evening, he was satisfied to see that kind of a performance on the iconic tennis court.