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Noah Lyles is a name that demands attention. The 26-year-old once again captivated the world with his stellar performance at the Zurich Diamond League meet on August 31, 2023. This remarkable victory followed his triumphant gold medal haul in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest. However, amid the celebrations in Budapest, Lyles found himself embroiled in a thought-provoking controversy.

It all started when he questioned the validity of the NBA’s “world champions” title during a post-200-meter win press conference. His daring remark challenged the NBA’s claim to global supremacy, sparking responses from notable NBA stars like Kevin Durant. In the wake of this controversy, Lyles expressed his satisfaction with initiating a crucial conversation that had long been overlooked. As he now enjoys a well-deserved vacation with his Jamaican girlfriend, Junelle Bromfield, after his recent win at Zurich, he once again made a perfect clap back in response to the NBA slant.

Noah Lyles with another clapback to the NBA slant

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In a recent video posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), shared by the handle Track Spice, we catch a glimpse of Noah Lyles and his girlfriend, Junelle Bromfield. The couple strolls confidently towards a private jet, exuding an aura of style and charisma. What immediately grabs attention is Lyles’ choice of attire: a black leather jacket adorned with three gold medals and the words “3 Peat” underneath, proudly proclaiming him as the “American Record Holder”. Paired with black jeans and a matching cap, he exudes confidence and accomplishment. Junelle Bromfield complements his style with her fashionable choice of clothing.

Lyles’ fashion statement wasn’t just a fashion statement; it was a proclamation of his incredible achievements at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary. Lyles clinched gold in the 100m and 200m individual events and later anchored Team USA to victory in the 4×100 relay. His outstanding performance made him the first athlete to achieve such a feat since 2015, establishing him as a true track and field legend. The jacket was a perfect clapback to the recent comments about the NBA that sparked a heated debate, drawing attention from both supporters and critics.

How did the controversy begin?

What triggered the controversy was Lyles’ question about the world titles’ in the NBA, saying, “World champion of what? The United States?” His comments evoked a range of reactions, from strong support to vehement opposition. Nike, one of Lyles’ sponsors, took to Instagram to celebrate his remarkable achievements on the track. However, instead of receiving widespread adulation, Lyles became the target of trolling and criticism from NBA stars like Kevin Durant.

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Durant remarked that Lyles had “lost his mind”, while Devin Booker, his Phoenix Suns counterpart, joined in the taunting. These responses from the NBA community set the stage for a spirited and polarizing debate that transcended the boundaries of sports. During the recent interview after his Zurich win, Lyles acknowledged the controversy once more, saying, “To be honest, I’m just glad that they were having the conversation; it’s been underlined for so long, but nobody wanted to talk about it. With everyone saying things about it, now you have a dialogue. Of course, there will be opinions that change, and maybe there won’t, but at least we are having the conversation”.

Read more: Disappointed Elaine Thompson-Herah Chooses Silence After Brutal Loss Against Sha’Carri Richardson at Zurich Diamond League 2023

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In the world of track and field, Noah Lyles’ impact is not limited to his incredible speed. His willingness to speak out on matters beyond the track has ignited conversations that were long overdue. By addressing the NBA controversy head-on, Lyles has encouraged a global dialogue.

Watch this story: Witness the Genesis of the Legend of Noah Lyles: The Finish You Know, the Start You Don’t